Rome will host a series of free concerts around the edge of the city on New Years Eve. At the Metro A Anagnina parking lot, the Italian rapper artist Frankie Hi Nrg will perform with a host of others in a Hip-Hop festival. The show will begin at 22.30. At the same time, another show will begin at the Ex Mercati Generali on Via Ostiense. This New Years Eve concert will feature two legendary Italian singers, Fiorella Mannoia and Ivano Fossati, who will play together for the first time at the 22.00. show. WHO? Metro lines A and B will run until 2.30. Buses and trams will also run extended service to accommodate the crowds.

City officials announced that they chose these sites to stage this years New Years Eve musical celebration as a way to help promote cultural events outside of the citys historic centre. But no matter where you are in the city, you wont be able to miss the annual pyrotechnic display which will fill the skies over the city at midnight to welcome the new year. This years Rainbow of Midnight, will be set off by De Simone Fireworks near Via Ostiense, which will likely be closed to traffic for the evening. Romans traditionally gather on one of the many hills with a panoramic view to watch the fireworks over the city. Restaurants and clubs throughout the city are also hosting parties to welcome 2004.

On January 1, the place to be for children will be Piazza del Popolo. The Childrens New Year 2004 Between Sky and Land, will begin at 13.30 in the piazza, featuring games, performers and puppet shows.