AS Big Ben strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, Middlesbrough's skyline will be illuminated by the biggest firework display ever seen in the town.
Organised as part of the Ice Magic festival, including the region's first outdoor ice rink, the display will mark the finale of a day of events.
From 11am on Sunday, December 31, until Monday, January 1, there will be live music, street entertainment, ice skating, and displays by Circus 2000.
A millennium beacon will be lit by Middlesbrough Mayor, Councillor Kath Bevington.
BBC Radio Cleveland, which celebrates its 30th anniversary on New Year's Eve, will broadcast live throughout the day from a town centre stage.
It will be presenting a line-up including U2our, Beatlemania, ABBAsolutely Live and Siren, winners of the station's Search for Talent contest.
Coun Bevington said: "We are absolutely delighted that Middlesbrough is able to mark the start of the new millennium in such a spectacular fashion."
"Our M2000 Middlesbrough Let's Celebrate! festival has been a huge success, and our New Year's Eve celebrations will ensure that it finishes with a real bang."
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