London SE1 > News & Features > June 2000

Millennium Bridge now open

The Millennium Bridge - linking Bankside with the City - opened to the public on Saturday 10 June. Over 6000 people took part in the HSBC Millennium Bridge Walk in aid of Save the Children. When the bridge opened to non-participants at midday the crush was soon so great that the bridge was sealed off for safety reasons.

Most visitors were unprepared for the movement of the bridge in the strong winds, with many elderly walkers holding on to the handrail to keep their balance. The designers insist that there is no design fault.

The bridge was lined with flags to celebrate the opening.

St Paull's Cathedral as seen from Bankside.

The view from the north side of the bridge.

The crowd on the southern approach ramp to the bridge three minutes after it opened to the public.

Tate Modern as seen from the bridge

Entertainment was on hand at the finish point for the sponsored walk.

City of London Police horses were on duty on Bankside