Every year for over ten years, as the New Year approaches, the Champs-Élysées are transformed into a magnificent open-air party. Between the dazzling fireworks, the impressive mapping on the Arc de Triomphe and the concert, young and old alike are in for a treat. But this year, the party will be without music. The traditional concert, held every December 31 for the past two years, has been cancelled for security reasons.
New Year’s Eve party on the Champs-Élysées will go ahead, but without music
Bad news for Parisians: the December 31st concert on the Champs-Élysées will not take place this year. The decision was taken at the request of the Préfecture de Police and supported by the Mairie du VIIIᵉ arrondissement. Indeed, the massive crowd movements (over a million spectators attend this exceptional event every year) require the mobilization of over 6,000 police officers and gendarmes, as well as the setting up of numerous checkpoints. It’s a difficult security operation to manage, and one that doesn’ t fully guarantee the safety of everyone, especially the youngest members of the family.
The mayor of the VIIIᵉ arrondissement, Jeanne d’Hautesserres, confirmed this recently on France Info: “The avenue is not made to receive an audience for a concert”, referring to the numerous jostles observed during previous editions.
The fireworks are still on
Although Parisians won’t be treated to a fiery DJ set like last year, they can console themselves by admiring the magnificent fireworks display, which will light up the sky with thousands of colors. And for those who prefer to stay at home, a pre-recorded concert will be broadcast on television.
📍 Location: Champs-Élysées
📅 Date: December 31
💸 Price: Free