New Year’s Eve WATCH LIVE: London fireworks ring in 2026 after major controversy
London has rung in 2026 with its world-famous New Year's Eve[1] fireworks display along the River Thames, one of the largest and most heavily attended celebrations in Europe. As the iconic bongs on Big Ben rang in the New Year, fireworks erupted from barges set up in front of the London Eye. The spectacular display, which is ticketed, has been dogged by controversy in the run up to the event after Primrose Hill, a viewing point used by 30,000 people last year, was closed for the evening due to "crowd management challenges".
Meanwhile, the UAE has attempted to break a whopping five world records with its astonishing New Year fireworks displays. And many revellers have had their New Year's hopes dashed after events were cancelled due to safety concerns[2]. These included events in Sydney, Paris, and Moscow where there are no celebrations in Red Square over security fears.
03:32Peter HennessyNew Year to bring snowy weather
Snow and ice are forecast across much of the UK for the start of the new year, the Met Office has said.
Those planning a walk or swim on New Year's Day can expect chilly conditions with highs of 5C expected in Belfast, 7C in London, 6C in Manchester, 3C in Edinburgh and 8C in Cardiff, according to the forecaster. In a post on X on Wednesday, the Met Office said a "dip in the sea" on January 1 will feel "relatively mild compared to the wind chill that can be expected on land", adding that people along eastern coasts should be aware of large waves and higher tides brought by strong winds.
Spectacular fireworks on the Thames in London03:04Peter HennessyCrowds have cleared at Waterloo station
02:23Peter HennessyCentral London 'largely back to normal', police say
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: "Central London is now largely back to normal following the New Year's Eve celebrations. "While some officers are standing down, others will remain on duty across all 32 boroughs responding to any incidents and keeping people safe.
This is the last planned update. We wish everyone a very Happy New Year."
01:45Peter HennessyEdinburgh brings in New Year in style
housands of revellers saw in 2026 in Edinburgh city centre, where they were treated to a spectacular fireworks display as part of the capital's Hogmanay celebrations. Crowds of people gathered along the city's Princes Street as the hour struck and the six-and-a-half-minute display got underway above Edinburgh Castle.
Accompanied by a soundtrack featuring the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Eurythmics and Simple Minds, the spectacle concluded with a version of Auld Lang Syne from Skye duo Valtos, while a saltire was projected onto Castle Rock. The display marked the culmination of an evening of festivities in the Scottish capital, which included the Concert in the Gardens headlined by the band Wet Leg.
00:59Peter HennessyMore than 12,000 fireworks set off and more than 400 lights illuminated in city
More than 12,000 fireworks and more than 400 lights illuminated the night sky around the London Eye, with hologauze animations complementing the largest annual firework display in Europe on the BBC's coverage. As well as celebrating national achievements of the last 12 months, the display also referenced last summer being the UK's hottest on record and featured a nod to the social media 'tea-time alarm' meme that suggested there is a daily alarm reminding British people to enjoy a cup of tea.
00:30Peter HennessyLondon celebrations 'are greatest in the world'
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said: "I'm delighted that we have once again shown why London's New Year's Eve celebrations are the greatest in the world.
"The eyes of the globe were looking on as we lit up our famous skyline with our best-ever display of fireworks and lighting, all to an incredible soundtrack. "From celebrating our wonderful year of women's sport and Europe beating the USA in the Ryder Cup, to celebrating our diversity and looking ahead to a fantastic 2026, we've sent the message that London will always be a city of hope and a place for everyone."
(Getty Images)00:16KEY EVENTPictures show London's sky lit up with array of colours
(Getty Images)
00:11KEY EVENTStunning footage shows fireworks in London
00:01KEY EVENTHAPPY NEW YEAR!
An explosion of colour has lit up the skies above London
Spectacular fireworks on the Thames in London23:55Christopher MallettSpectacular scenes in Stuttgart
A massive firework display has seen in the New Year in the German city of Stuttgart
Fireworks over Stuttgart (AP)23:41Christopher MallettWhere are people viewing tonight's fireworks in London?
There are six designated ticketed viewing areas. Once inside, re-entry is not permitted, and ticket holders cannot move between viewing zones.
Many central London bridges will be closed to pedestrians and traffic, sometimes at short notice, for public safety. Officials have repeatedly warned revellers not to gather on bridges in hopes of seeing the fireworks for free. Authorities say Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Southwark Bridge offer poor or obstructed views, while also posing serious safety risks due to overcrowding.
Meanwhile, the traditional viewing point at Primrose Hill is closed. You can A spectacular laser show at the historic Brandenberg Gate has seen in the New Year in Berlin - and Germany isn't the only European country that's now seen in 2026. Many other countries, including Norway, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Poland, most of Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Gibraltar, Vatican City State and Monaco, are all celebrating. As many as 10,000 people have gathered at the iconic fireworks display along the Thames in London. It may be an icy cold night but it hasn't put off revellers around the country including those who have wrapped up warm and headed to the event in the capital. But the Met Police has warned people without tickets not to try to go to the Mayor of London's fireworks event, centred around the London Eye and Big Ben, as tickets have sold out. Thousands of people have gathered in the square Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid where there will be a countdown from the clock at midnight. In Spain, one of the most famous New Year traditions is eating 12 grapes at midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, people eat one grape with each chime, making a wish for every month of the coming year. DIRECTO| Faltan menos de cuatro horas para decir adios a este 2025. Desde la Puerta del Sol, en Madrid, todo esta listo para recibir las doce campanadas de esta medianoche.#Canal24horashttps://t.co/vVRqw1kQ0I pic.twitter.com/XkqcuP9oJ3[4][5][6]
Fencing that has been put up at Primrose Hill (PA)23:23KEY EVENTGermany crosses over to 2026 in style
People gather in Berlin to celebrate the New Year (HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA/Shutterstock)23:03Tim HanlonHuge crowds gathered in central London for iconic fireworks display
Huge crowds gathered in central London (Hesther Ng / Story Picture Agency)
22:50Tim HanlonThousands gathered in Madrid 'with grapes' as they prepare for midnight
Dublin welcomes 2026 with Inhaler headlining concert
Tourists and locals in Dublin are getting ready to welcome 2026 in style as Inhaler headline the Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle tonight.
The band will follow Biird are currently on stage. Following a landmark year, Inhaler return to Dublin for a final gig. Their critically acclaimed third album, Open Wide, debuted at #2 on the Official UK Charts and claimed the #1 spot on the Official Irish Albums Chart.
The band is led by vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, the son of U2's Bono, as well as bassist Robert Keating, guitarist and keyboardist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon. Earlier in the evening there were two fireworks displays in Dublin at Howth Harbour and Dun Laoghaire Harbour around 8pm.
The Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle22:23Tim HanlonRevellers pictured waiting in Times Square for confetti to be dropped
Huge crowds have gathered in Times Square ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations where more than one tonne of confetti is to be dropped at midnight. Police in New York have planned additional anti-terrorism measures at the Times Square ball drop, with "mobile screening teams." It was not in response to a specific threat, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
After the ball drops it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue, to mark the country's upcoming 250th birthday.
People waiting in Times Square ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations (Getty Images)22:15Tim HanlonGreece and Cyprus have 'low-noise' New Year celebrations
People in Athens and Nicosia are celebrating New Year in a different way without the usual noise from fireworks. The capitals of Greece and Cyprus have decided to opt for low-noise pyrotechnics, along with light shows and drone displays. The aim is to make the celebrations more child and pet friendly -- especially for animals with more sensitive hearing.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said. "This marks a new era in New Year celebrations. A spectacular show of light, without deafening noise -- respecting people, animals and the environment." Nicosia has gone even further by abandoning conventional fireworks altogether. "This decision forms part of the municipality's broader effort to modernize public celebrations and align them with European trends and sustainability objectives," the municipality said.
21:34KEY EVENTUkrainians countdown to New Year with colourful songs and dances
People in Kyiv are still celebrating as the clock ticks down to midnight despite Ukraine edging close to a fourth year at war. Locals visited Christmas markets in the capital and others took to ice rinks ahead of the nightly curfew.
In Odesa residents held a traditional celebration called Malanka, featuring traditional costumes, folklore characters, songs, dances and theatrical performances.
People dressed up and went ice skating in Kyiv (Anadolu via Getty Images)21:16KEY EVENTNo celebrations in Moscow's Red Square due to security fears
There have been no spectacular fireworks in Moscow this year with displays cancelled due to security fears. Moscow's Red Square itself has been closed to visitors until 8am on 1 January. But other countries in the same time zone like Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been out celebrating.
The lack of celebrations in Moscow comes after hundreds of thousands of people in the Russian capital were plunged into darkness last night due to Ukrainian drones hitting power plants.
Moscow was plunged into darkness on Tuesday night after a drone strike (@X)20:48Christopher MallettWho will ring in 2026 next?
Russia, Turkey, Iraq and Kenya are among 24 countries ringing in the New Year at 9pm UK time. Two hours later Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, and Italy will be among the countries celebrating 2026.
20:18KEY EVENTUAE welcomes in New Year with record breaking fireworks attempt
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed 2026 with an unprecedented festive spectacle, headlined by fireworks and light shows stretching from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi is hosting one of the largest New Year celebrations in the UAE and the region.
It aims to break the world record with the longest and largest fireworks displays, as well as the biggest drone show.
Fireworks light up the sky around the Burj Khalifa Tower (AFP via Getty Images)The fireworks display is to last than one hour, including the attempt to set five new Guinness World Records across five timed phases starting at 8pm and culminating at midnight with a continuous 62-minute main show.
?????? ???? ??????? ??????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? #??????_?????_???? ??? ?? ???? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ???????? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ????? ???????? ????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ?????? pic.twitter.com/AOM4Idl0UV[8][9]
-- Sheikh Zayed Festival ?????? ????? ???? (@ZayedFestival) December 31, 2025[10]19:28Tim HanlonRevellers are enjoying Hogmanay with a street party
Revellers have been enjoying Hogmanay in Edinburgh, at a New Year's Eve street party. Huge crowds of gathered as usual in the Scottish capital as they count down to midnight and the start of 2026.
(Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS)18:57Tim HanlonDancing and celebrations amid strict security in India
Celebrations have now moved from Nepal to India with large crowds dancing and watching firework displays in India. Security has been a big issue with traffic restrictions in the Indian capital close to the celebrations while elsewhere Bengaluru police outlined plans to keep people safe.
Huge crowds gathered to celebrate New Year's eve at a promenade in Mumbai.
Huge crowds gathered in Mumbai (AP)Thiruvananthapuram welcomed the New Year with vibrant lighting and floral arrangements, with the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds lit up for 2026. Crowds gathered at Vasantholsavam, as well as the annual Light Festival. People are welcoming in the New Year on a route from east to west along what is known as the International Date Line[11], established in 1884 to simplify international travel.
18:10Tim HanlonPope closes out 2025 with poignant prayer
Pope Leo XIV has ended 2025 with a prayer that the city of Rome might be a welcoming place for foreigners and fragile people, young and old.
Leo presided over a New Year's Eve vespers service in St Peter's Basilica, giving thanks for the 2025 Holy Year that brought millions of pilgrims to Rome in the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Christianity. He recalled that Pope Francis, who inaugurated the Holy Year on December 24, last year, had asked that Rome be a more welcoming place. "I would like it to be so again, and I would say even more so after this time of grace," Leo said. "What can we wish for Rome?
That it may be worthy of its little ones. Of children, of lonely and fragile elderly people, of families who struggle to get by, of men and women who have come from afar hoping for a dignified life," he said.
Pope praying at St Peter's Square (AFP via Getty Images)18:06KEY EVENTNew Year's Eve events cancelled around world amid chilling warning
New Year's Eve celebrations around the world have been scrapped due to major concerns from local authorities and governments. The moves have seen the plans of tens of thousands[12] for this evening thwarted, with fireworks, parties and other live events[13] among those cancelled.
Events have been cancelled in Russia, Paris, Tokyo, Jakarta, Belgrade and Hong Kong[14]. Bondi Beach celebrations were also scrapped after the horror massacre there earlier in December. Organisers at Waverley Council said the decision was made in mind of "compassion and care for Sydney's Jewish community".
17:56Tim HanlonBeckham says he feels 'very lucky' as he welcomes in New Year
Sir David Beckham says he feels "very lucky" as he reflects on 2025, which he said he will "forever remember" as he welcomes in the New Year.
The former footballer posted a selection of photos on social media reminiscing over the last 12 months. In a post on Instagram, Sir David remembered his 50th birthday, his knighthood, and winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup as a club owner as he looked back on the past year. He wrote on Wednesday: "I'm so grateful to my incredible wife, my amazing children, my friends and team I work with every single day nothing would have been possible without you all...
But as Sir Alex Ferguson would say "Onto the the next".
17:43Tim HanlonFamilies celebrate New Year in Birmingham ahead of a cold night in store
Families were seen enjoying New Year's festivities in Birmingham this afternoon with plenty of fun for youngsters. The Raver Tots event was held at Luna Springs in Digbeth, Birmingham. It comes as the UK is facing a cold snap and temperatures are expected to plummet overnight.
Family fun in Birmingham (Emma Trimble / SWNS)17:25Tim HanlonStunning images also show the New Year being welcomed in Taiwan and Singapore
Taiwan welcomed in the New Year with a dramatic fireworks display as they partied despite the threat from China.
Regarding Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China considers sovereign territory, Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing's annexation intentions, in a New Year's message. "We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship," he said. "The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable."
A stunning display in Taiwan (Getty Images)China this week conducted two days of military drills[15] around Taiwan, launching rockets and sending aircraft and warships in response to a planned arms sale by the U.S. to the island. There were similar celebrations in Singapore with a lights display and fireworks.
17:01KEY EVENTMet Police issue statement over Primrose Hill being closed for New Year's Eve
A statement has been released by the Metropolitan Police after it announced that Primrose Hill in London was to be closed off for New Year's Eve celebrations - saying that it was not its decision.
A post on X yesterday read: "Primrose Hill will be closed on New Year's Eve this year There will be fencing, security and a police presence to prevent access. If you had planned to head there to get a view of the central London fireworks, please make alternative arrangements." It led to an outcry from people saying it is a public park and should be open for people to watch the fireworks display in central London.
Now a new statement from the Met Police says it was a decision from the Royal Parks due to "challenges they faced in providing the necessary crowd management" to accommodate up to 30,000 people."
This post about the Primrose Hill closure has prompted a lot of reactions. We want to clarify a few points: pic.twitter.com/0CVSGm6a7d[16]
-- Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) December 31, 2025[17]16:47Tim HanlonMusic show in Hong Kong rather than firework celebrations
Fireworks are typically a celebratory centerpiece of Hong Kong's New Year celebrations but not this year. The territory rang in 2026 without spectacular and colorful explosions in the sky over its iconic Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people.
The city's tourism board instead hosted a music show Wednesday night featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, a business district that also is home to the famous nightlife hub Lan Kwai Fong. The facades of eight landmarks turned into giant countdown clocks presenting a three-minute light show at midnight. Fireworks have long been part of the city's celebrations for the New Year, Lunar New Year and National Day.
The pyrotechnic displays against Hong Kong's world-famous skyline of skyscrapers typically draw hundreds of thousands of people including many tourists to both sides of the promenade.
References
- ^ New Year's Eve (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ due to safety concerns (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ You can