Police and doormen in Swansea on duty on Friday

In Swansea, Cardiff and Newport city centres, triage centres were set up by safety teams to treat minor injuries.

Across Wales extra police were on patrol and in Newport officers were handing out bottled water.

On the last working day before Christmas for many people, revellers were urged to drink responsibly.

A spokeswoman for the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff said staff were aware of the significance of the day.

"The emergency staff will deal with everyone as soon as they can when they arrive," she said.

South Wales Police said officers were carrying out extra breath tests as part of this year's anti drink-drive campaign.

As part of Operation Safe Travel, officers also checked that taxis are registered and roadworthy.

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"Unlicensed bogus taxis drivers are a particular problem at this time of year and there have been cases of lone women being assaulted after taking such rides," said a South Wales Police spokeswoman.

"We would urge everyone to arrange their transport in advance. Our message is to have fun but think and be safe."

In Wrexham and Rhyl, the Welsh Ambulance Service provided rapid response vehicles to deliver roadside treatment and assessment for minor injuries to reduce the demand for A&E services.

On Friday and Saturday nights, a triage vehicle staffed by the ambulance service and St John Cymru Wales will be parked on St Mary Street in Cardiff to treat minor injuries, illnesses and people with minor drink-related difficulties.

There was also a treatment centre in the Millennium Stadium.

In the city centre we are still subject to an eight-minute response time and by having this resource in place we are hitting that target Alun Harris, Welsh Ambulance Service

"We are just looking to take some of the pressure off the accident and emergency department at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff," said Alun Harris, of the Welsh Ambulance Service.

"Last year we had some very positive comments from some of the people who came in. The majority of them are very thankful.

"In the city centre we are still subject to an eight-minute response time and by having this resource in place we are hitting that target.

"It also means the emergency ambulances can be put to good use dealing with people who are properly ill."

In Newport, 20 extra officers were patrolling in the city centre and Gwent Police were working with Christian charity Team Challenge to distribute pink handbags containing leaflets on safe drinking, as well as bottled water.

North Wales Police said they would continue to enforce a number of anti-crime initiatives, including Operation Mistletoe throughout Christmas and new year.

Anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related violence, drink-drivers and retail theft are some of the issues they have been targeting since the launch earlier in December.