New Year's Eve in Maidstone

With Christmas over and the festive cheer ebbing away, New Year celebrations provide one last chance to get together with those closest to you for a big party. Welcoming in the New Year, and bidding farewell to the old, always brings out the best party atmosphere, uniting people from all backgrounds in a celebration of fresh hopes for the coming year. Whether it’s joining a rousing rendition of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, revelling in magnificent fireworks displays, or simply raising a toast to the striking of the clock at midnight, New Year’s Eve is a great night out for everyone.

New Year in Maidstone provides a host of events and activities to enjoy, with many venues across the borough providing you with a chance to bid goodbye to 2016 and welcome 2017 with a bang. From pubs and clubs to restaurants and fireworks displays, you can pick your form of celebration for December 31, and join the crowds for a magnificent night of celebration and entertainment.

New Year’s Eve events

We’re delighted to provide you with details of just a few New Year’s Eve events happening throughout Maidstone. Regardless of age and interest, you’re almost certain to find something to suit you this New Year in Maidstone. And, even if you’re not one for heading out on the town, there’s always the option of staying home with loved ones, curling up in front of the television, and watching events unfold from the comfort of home. Failing that, you can always have an early night!

Leeds Castle

Where to begin with New Year celebrations than Leeds Castle? Starting with Champagne in the castle library followed by a tour of the castle, a magnificent four-course meal followed by live music and fireworks, what better way to see in the New Year than by heading to one of the region’s most compelling and popular attractions.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

For those with a sense of tradition, we thought it would be helpful to provide lyrics to the seasonal classic, Auld Lang Syne. Written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, and featuring passages from poems and songs from years earlier, it has become standard for English speakers everywhere to join in a rendition as soon as the clock strikes midnight and shepherds in the New Year.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

What are your plans for New Year's Eve in Maidstone this year? Do you have traditions you always follow, or perhaps you're trying something new for 2016? Let us know what you have planned to say farewell to the past 12 months.

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About the author

Michael is a member of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone and is an experienced writer. He has a passion for history and cinema, and likes nothing more than combining the two. View more by Michael.