Crack open the bubbly at one of these swish events
New Year’s Eve is celebrated across the world in many weird and wonderful ways. Some are suitably cultural to appropriate countries, whereas others are more experimental and different.
FemaleFirst discovers some of the events in Britain and Europe dedicated to offering people an alternative, and completely memorable New Year’s Eve 2008.
Fancy dress events always generate excitement and thrills, as people fashion new images for themselves and completely let their hair down.
This year, London’s St Katherine’s Dock is hosting a marvellous Medieval Banquet and Dance, packed with medieval entertainers and King Henry VIII himself!
Guests will gorge on a five-course banquet of traditional medieval foods and drink, such as Hogmanay broth and a selection of fine beers and wines.
Jousting knights and dancers will entertain the festivities, held in a torch-lit cellar to welcome 2009 with an ironic twist.
For others who enjoy such extravagant themes, there are plentiful Murder Mystery Nights taking place this year across Britain. Guests can snoop around old mansion houses searching for suspects with their friends and families.
Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire provides a three-course meal amidst the mysteries, where guests can make notes and interrogate other guests as the unexpected events unfold.
A disco commences after the murder has been solved, allowing people to welcome the New Year in an unusual environment.
Continuing with the ‘spooky’ theme, the Sexy Sunday group are hosting a Gothic Festival in Whitby this year, which promises to be an night packed with dirty dancing and drunkenness!
Alternatively, some people are opting for a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s Eve extravaganza by attending Elton John’s widely anticipated concert at the O2 Arena in London.
Singing his most famous hits, Elton John will welcome 2009 in a way which nobody else could possibly achieve, and those lucky enough to witness the event will find it an unforgettable and completely unique experience.
However, some people wish to travel abroad this New Year’s Eve, and those hoping for a truly crazy evening are visiting Iceland, where people celebrate with bonfires, fireworks and singing.
Traditionally, every individual sets off their own fireworks, with potential chaos and guaranteed spectactular displays of colour and sparks in the night’s sky.
Tourists can take a guided tour of the greater Reykjavik area in Iceland, where most of the action takes place, or else completely immerse themselves with the customs of the local people to fully appreciate this eventful evening.
People around the world enjoy New Year’s Eve for many different reasons, and the finale of 2008 is sure to be one to remember with a whole host of exciting and alternative events to attend.
FemaleFirst Kay Taylor.