It promises to be one hell of a party! Dublin will take centre stage for a sensational New Year’s Eve Festival heralding the start of The Gathering Ireland 2013.

Rivalling the world famous Edinburgh Hogmanay, the spectacular NYE Dublin Festival (December 31st) will see the city transformed into a massive outdoor playground with music, dance, fireworks, pageantry, and heaps of family fun.

NYE Dublin will start in dazzling style with a very special People’s Procession of Light, (6.30 p.m.) steeped in pageantry, colour and fire! The main players in this inaugural event will be thousands of visitors, young and old, from home and abroad, who will make a stunning sight as they slowly weave through the streets of Dublin holding LED lights and lanterns. A host of hundreds of theatre characters, stilt walkers and musicians will guide them along the way.

After the symbolism of the People’s Procession of Light you will be electrified by The Big Bang,  a free fireworks display such as you have never seen before in St. Stephen’s Green (8.00 p.m.) This is the first time ever fireworks have been planned for Dublin’s historic Georgian centre. Come and see the night sky light up with a riotous blaze of colour. Music and street acts will keep everyone entertained as the fuses burn.

Round off a memorable night at the open-air Countdown Concert in historic College Green (8.30 p.m. – 1 a.m.), which promises to be the hottest ticket in town! This is an over 18s, ticket only event with internationally renowned Irish acts Imelda May and Bell X1 performing. The giant 3D visuals illuminating Trinity College and counting down to the magic midnight moment will leave revellers awe struck.

So join in the NYE Dublin Festival and show the world how to party! For more information on all the events and to buy early bird concert tickets, priced at €15 + booking fee before 10th December (€25 + booking fee after this), visit www.nyedublin.ie. There are also great hotel and restaurant deals specially created for the NYE Dublin Festival. More details at ww.visitdublin.com/nyedublin.