St Ives Business Improvement District A person dressed as Darth Vader from Star Wars stands in a street full of people — Fancy dress costumes filled the narrow streets of St Ives last year

St Ives Business Improvement District (BID) said they expect about 40,000 partygoers in the town for New Year’s Eve.

Town managers said it was the third largest street party in the UK after London and Edinburgh.

Extra police, street marshals and ambulance crews are due to be on hand to help deliver a safe event.

Mayor Johnnie Wells said the event could be a “victim of it’s own success” but limiting numbers for the party “just wouldn’t work”.

Fireworks at last year’s event were launched from Smeaton’s Pier

St Ives Business Improvement District Fireworks explode above a pir with a lighthouse at the end . In the foreground are crowds of people watching the display — Fireworks at last year’s event were launched from Smeaton’s Pier

He said New Year’s Eve was the most important event for the town’ economy.

Wells said: “This summer had patchy results and Christmas week is usually around 75% booked but new year is always completely full.

He said: “St Ives is blessed with a lot of things but space is not one of them and that brings some challenges.

“We do our best to make the event safe with extra police, street closures, marshals and St John Ambulance on hand.”

Fancy dress plays a major part in the celebrations

St, Ives Business Improvement District People pack the harbour front in fancy dress, A group of people stand next to the sea dressed as pigs , several partygoers wear Mexican hats and ponchos. — Fancy dress plays a major part in the celebrations

The BID said “We’re also incredibly proud to share that New Year’s Eve in St Ives has been named a finalist at the National BID Awards for Best Event of the Year – a fantastic recognition of the hard work, collaboration, and passion that goes into delivering this unforgettable night.”

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