Back the Bid theme for New Year display

Final preparations are under way in London today for a spectacular £1 million firework display and light show to mark the New Year.

The Eye will be illuminated from about 6.30pm, and the light show will begin at 10 minutes before midnight.

It will be staged against the backdrop of the Eye and will promote the capital's 2012 Olympic bid.

Then a 60-second countdown will usher in a midnight firework display staged by by Jack Morton Worldwide, which organised the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens Olympics.

The event is being paid for by the Greater London Authority and millions of television viewers worldwide are expected to tune in.

Thousands of people are also expected to congregate at places such as Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square, although police are discouraging revellers from congregating in the latter.

Commander Chris Allison, in charge of policing in the City of Westminster, said: "People believe there is something mystical about the New Year in Trafalgar Square.

"In reality it is cold, damp, open to the elements, with deep crowds, which unfortunately provides the potential for opportunist crime."

He added: "If people do want to come to town we want them to have a great night.

"Please keep an eye on your belongings and make sure you are aware of your surroundings."

Last year 100,000 people were on the streets and police made 75 arrests.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "People will have had a lot to drink and there will be a lot of people in a small space."