Nokia to hold “Five cities, One party” on New Year’s Eve

On December 31st, Nokia will welcome the New Year in unique style – by connecting millions of music lovers from around the world as they count down the final minutes of 2006. Nokia New Year’s Eve, a global music event stretching across four continents, will feature a number of international artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Scissor Sisters to entertain audiences at New Year’s celebrations from Hong Kong to Rio de Janeiro. Those unable to attend in person can experience the party via television or the internet. To orchestrate this unique global celebration, Nokia has enlisted the services of Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the producer of Live Aid and Live8.

Nokia New Year’s Eve will travel from east to west, starting in Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal, followed by Mumbai’s Andheri Stadium, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro and rounding off the night in New York.

Speaking about the event, Scissor Sisters’ singer Jake Shears said “We’re damn thrilled to be playing Nokia’s world wide music party.  It should be a helluva good time.”

“This is an exciting and ambitious project and the first time that New Year’s Eve will be celebrated as a global music event,” said Harvey Goldsmith. “Nokia New Year’s Eve will feature international and local artists with live broadcasts on New Year’s Eve as well as a New Year’s Day TV special to be aired globally. I am delighted to be on board.” 

Nokia New Year’s Eve looks set to be the world’s biggest New Year’s party of 2006 with the five events expected to have a combined attendance of 1.3 million and an anticipated global television and Internet audience of 150 million.

In the coming weeks Nokia will announce further details, including additional international and local artist announcements – artists who are sure to get people talking around the world. For the latest information, visit www.nokianewyearseve.com.