The UK welcomed the arrival of 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display in London, attracting tens of thousands of spectators. Despite the freezing temperatures, around 100,000 people gathered along the River Thames to witness the sold-out event, which was set off near the London Eye at midnight. Millions more tuned in across the country to watch the festivities on television.
The display was a celebration of the highlights of 2025, featuring a diverse range of achievements. It acknowledged England's Women's Rugby World Cup triumph, the Lionesses' Euros win, and Europe's Ryder Cup victory. The show also paid homage to the film 'Wicked: For Good'. Over 12,000 fireworks and more than 400 lights illuminated the night sky, with holographic animations complementing the largest annual firework display in Europe, as captured by the BBC's coverage.
Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, expressed his pride in the city's diversity, stating, 'I think diversity is a strength, not a weakness. It enriches us, not diminishes us.' He emphasized the importance of celebrating togetherness and London's global appeal.
The display also referenced the UK's hottest summer on record and the 'tea-time alarm' meme, a playful nod to the daily reminder to enjoy a cup of tea. Other UK cities, such as Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne, are also hosting New Year's fireworks displays and events, with Edinburgh's Hogmanay attracting over 40,000 attendees.
Around the globe, New Year's Eve celebrations took place in various time zones. The island of Kiritimati, part of the Pacific Ocean nation Kiribati, was the first to welcome 2026. Australia marked the occasion with a fireworks display over Sydney Opera House and a minute's silence for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan and South Korea celebrated with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies, while South Korea's tallest building, the Lotte World Tower, lit up the sky with fireworks before a display over Marina Bay in Singapore.
