Partygoers plan to give New Year’s Eve the cold shoulder

New Year’s Eve is set to be a ‘big night in’ this year with three quarters of the UK (33 million people) shunning bars and clubs to see in 2007 at home, reveals the third Post Office Home Insurance New Year survey.

Over 26 million people are opting for the comfort and warmth of a night at home. A further 15 per cent say they will be spending the evening at a friend’s house.

Only one in ten (11 per cent) prefer the roar of a disco and are planning to spend New Year’s Eve at a pub or club.

And it looks like staying in is fast becoming the new going out, with over two million more people planning to stay in compared to last New Year’s Eve.

Of those planning to brave the icy temperatures, predictably, 18-29 year olds are the biggest party animals. Nearly half (48 per cent) are planning on a night out, but at 29 per cent less than last year, it appears many have already lost their appetite for partying.

Claire Oldstein, Head of Communications for the Post Office, said: “It’s no surprise that most people are choosing to celebrate at home, what with the cold weather, the headache of finding transport home, and the sheer expense of going out on New Year.

“We advise anyone celebrating at home this year to check that they are insured against any party mishaps with accidental damage cover. Carpets and furniture can be easily ruined by red wine stains or cigarette burns. Unprotected homeowners could find that staying in on New Year’s Eve is more expensive than going out if they have to pay out afterwards.”

The Post Office will be increasing its home insurance cover by 10 per cent over the Christmas period.