London rings in 2026 with largest NYE fireworks display in Europe
London welcomed the start of 2026 with its largest New Year’s Eve fireworks display to date, drawing large crowds along the River Thames and millions of viewers worldwide, according to the Mayor of London’s office.
The celebration took place overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with around 100,000 ticket holders lining the Thames to watch the annual show organized by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
More than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lights illuminated the skyline around the London Eye, following the traditional midnight chimes of Big Ben, according to the mayor’s office.
City officials said the 12-minute display was the largest annual fireworks show in Europe and was broadcast live to audiences around the world, including millions watching on the BBC. The show combined fireworks, lighting, music and animation, looking back at major moments from 2025.
The display included tributes to England’s sporting achievements in 2025, including victories by the Red Roses in the Rugby World Cup and the Lionesses at the European Championships, as well as British success at Wimbledon and Europe’s win over the United States in the Ryder Cup.
It also referenced last summer being the hottest on record in the United Kingdom and featured cultural moments and humor drawn from social media trends.
A segment of the show highlighted a partnership with Universal Pictures to mark the release of Wicked: For Good, featuring pink and green fireworks and a recorded message from London-born actor and singer Cynthia Erivo.
Officials said the annual event attracts thousands of international and domestic visitors and provides a significant economic boost to the capital, with ticket holders estimated to generate about £14 million in additional revenue each year.
“I’m delighted that we have once again shown why London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are the greatest in the world,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement, adding that the display sent a message that London “will always be a city of hope and a place for everyone.”
The post London rings in 2026 with largest NYE fireworks display in Europe appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
