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Big Ben will ring out to welcome 2021 as officials warn against gatherings

The Elizabeth Tower has been largely quiet since 2017, but will strike 12 times at midnight on 31 December

Big Ben has been largely silent for the last three years during a major restoration project, but is permitted to ring its famous bells for momentous occasions such as Remembrance Sunday and New Year’s Eve but will now ring out to herald 2021
Big Ben has been largely silent for the last three years during a major restoration project, but is permitted to ring its famous bells for momentous occasions such as Remembrance Sunday and New Year’s Eve but will now ring out to herald 2021 Photo: Getty Images

London’s Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben, will interrupt its silence to sound 12 bongs at midnight in celebration of the New Year.

Those planning to commemorate the occasion have been warned to avoid parties and gatherings, with extra policing set to roam the streets of the capital to moderate the evening.

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