Bideford’s townspeople are preparing to shake off the doom and gloom of the current economic climate and ‘party like its 1999’ as plans are complete for what looks set to be yet another star studded event with plenty of entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.

The fun gets underway on the X Radio One Roadshow stage soon after the road closes at 6pm, when DJ Barry Shotter will be joined onstage by Ex Local Radio Presenter, Phil Morgan for an action packed set, including face painters, fairground rides on the Quayside, live music onstage, special guest stars and of course not forgetting the Children’s Fancy Dress parade, at 7.30pm, with star prizes for the best boy & girl Under 5’s, 5 to 11’s and over 11’s.

Speaking about his return to the stage in Bideford, Phil Morgan said, ‘I’m really looking forward to this one, I remember when I was presenting on the local station, Lantern FM, being approached by the Bideford Chamber of Commerce to front an event they had organised in Jubilee Square as part of the Water Festival and being completely inundated by hundreds of kids, all dressed up and  wanting to take part in the Spice Girls competition onstage, so I know just how enthusiastic the Bideford crowd can be and am excited by the package of entertainment we have managed to put together for our set at this years event!’

As well as all the traditional roadshow fun and games, Barry and Phil will be joined by local Samba Dance Band, Serendipity Soul who will be braving the elements to perform some of their well known dance sequences on the Quayside for your entertainment, with music from Samba Sol drumming out the rhythm as the crowds build to welcome in the New Year and if that’s not enough, the girls of Serendipity Soul have kindly offered to give one to one tuition to any youngster wanting to learn one or two Samba Dance moves…., so make sure you come early to avoid disappointment!

The glamour is set to continue as ITV’s, Seth Conway introduces local singing sensation, Della to the roadshow stage, speaking about her performance this year Della said, ‘Bideford Quay on New Years Eve is always a fantastic place to be, the atmosphere is Electric and it is awesome to see the streets lined with so many people dressed in brilliant fancy dress, who create The Big Bideford Party!  I absolutely look forward to New Years Eve on Bideford Quay, Cheers!!’

The fun and music is set to continue as Della will be joined back onstage by Seth Conway as they count down the hours, then minutes to the countdown at midnight and the now legendary fireworks display to celebrate the end of one year and the start of another!

Speaking about this years event, Chairman of the Bideford Festival Committee, Steve Clarke said, ‘we’ve had one or two teething problems this year, mostly attributed to the difficult financial climate but once again, my team of volunteers have worked tirelessly all year round to put together yet another spectacular event.. I’ve got to pay particular thanks to members of Bideford Town Council for their continued help and support, Torridge District Council for the infrastructure they supply to the event and to the emergency services who work behind the scenes to ensure a safer event for everyone at New Year’

In line with the ‘Safer North Devon Campaign’ Festival organizers urge anyone planning to attend this years event do so making sure they have planned there journey home at the end of the evening, that they drink responsibly, consider others around them, use the plastic drinking vessels that can be obtained from the vendors that will be positioned on the Quayside and help make this event, one of the safest and most enjoyable New Years Eve’s ever!

For more information about the road closures, traveling to and from the event, location of the temporary taxi ranks, check Torridge District Councils website for the latest news and happenings surrounding New Year in Bideford.