Key Takeaways
- The UK welcomed the new year with a bang, as thousands of people gathered in London and other cities to watch firework displays and celebrations.
- The London firework display, which was set off near the London Eye, featured over 12,000 fireworks and 400 lights, and was watched by millions of people across the country.
- Other UK cities, including Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle, also held New Year’s Eve celebrations and firework displays.
- The celebrations were not limited to the UK, as countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, also welcomed the new year with their own unique traditions and displays.
- The global celebrations were a testament to the diversity and richness of cultures around the world, and the importance of coming together to mark the start of a new year.
Introduction to the Celebrations
The UK ushered in the new year with a bang, as thousands of people gathered in London and other cities to watch firework displays and celebrations. The London firework display, which was set off near the London Eye, featured over 12,000 fireworks and 400 lights, and was watched by millions of people across the country. The display was set to a soundtrack that included music from popular artists such as Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, and featured voice overs from stars such as Celia Imrie, Andrew Cotter, and Alison Hammond.
London’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The London firework display was a sold-out event, with around 100,000 people gathering on the banks of the River Thames to watch the spectacle. The display celebrated some of the highlights of 2025, including England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph, the Lionesses retaining the Euros, and Europe’s Ryder Cup win. 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. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said that the theme of the celebration was "togetherness" and that diversity was a strength, not a weakness.
Other UK Cities’ Celebrations
Other UK cities also held New Year’s Eve celebrations and firework displays. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returned with over 40,000 attendees after being cancelled due to the weather last year. The city’s famous celebrations on Princes Street featured a pipe band, drummers, a DJ set by Belgian duo 2manydjs, and a silent disco. Manchester’s official display took place in the city centre’s St Peter’s Square, while Newcastle upon Tyne’s Quayside hosted a "Howaymanay" to ring in the new year. The Geordie take on the Scottish tradition was a festival of its own, and featured a massive firework display.
Global Celebrations
The celebrations were not limited to the UK, as countries around the world also welcomed the new year with their own unique traditions and displays. Australia welcomed 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Opera House, as well as a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan and South Korea celebrated the New Year with a traditional bell-ringing ceremony, while Singapore featured an eye-catching display over the Marina Bay. The fireworks in the UK came before New York, which joined in the celebrations at 5am GMT on New Year’s Day, with performances by Diana Ross and Ciara.
Conclusion
The global celebrations were a testament to the diversity and richness of cultures around the world, and the importance of coming together to mark the start of a new year. The UK’s firework displays and celebrations were a highlight of the global festivities, and were watched by millions of people across the country. The celebrations were a reminder of the power of community and the importance of marking special occasions with joy and festivity. As the world looks to the future, the New Year’s Eve celebrations were a symbol of hope and optimism, and a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world we live in.
