London SE1 > News & Features > December 1999

Global Village by the River

On New Year's Eve the Global Village - on both sides of the Thames between Blackfriars and Westminster Bridges - will be a showcase for the many cultures and traditions which contribute to the character of London.

Twelve beacons will be positioned throughout the site - one on each bridge (excluding Tower Bridge) and the remainder close to the performance stages. They will be lit at dusk and burn until New Year's Day.

The Freshworld stages will be decorated with flags, banners and exotic backcloths. The programme of musical and artistic activities involves schools and community groups - every hour a new wave of performers celebrates the arrival of another millennium elsewhere in the world.
Millenni-Mum will be on view in Bernie Spain Gardens. A programme of street theatre and entertainers are to operate between Jubilee Gardens and the Oxo Tower.

Large video screens will relay pictures of activities within the Global Village and show pictures of Millennium celebrations around the world.

Global Village is organised by the New Millennium Experience Company.