Thousands expected at open air New Year's parties

The capital is expected to attract a crowd of tens of thousands, including many foreign visitors, with a choice of four concert venues and a big fireworks display at midnight.

As usual the events will cater for different musical tastes and different ages, starting with an afternoon party where children will count down to the New Year early in the company of Father Frost.

The biggest stage has been set up in Congress Square where the New Year will be ushered in by Slovenian pop acts Nika Zorjan, Anabel and Victory.

French Revolution Square will offer non-mainstream fare for younger audiences including Super Action Heroes, Red Five Point Star and Elvis Jackson.

The venue in front of Town Hall will feature Slovenian pop singers Maraaya and Klara Jazbec, while polka music will be the order of the day in Pogačar Square.

Large open-air parties with live music and fireworks will also be held in Maribor, Celje, Koper, Ptuj and many other towns across Slovenia.

But unlike Ljubljana, which will have a large fireworks display, some cities have decided to eschew fireworks altogether, including Koper and Ptuj.

The weather will be favourable although chilly. Clear skies are forecast for the entire country, but temperatures will dip well below zero.