Fireworks explode around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower as London brings in 2024 in style
Spectacular fireworks have lit up the skies in London and Edinburgh as thousands braced the cold and rain and gathered to bring in the new year throughout the UK.
Thousands of people have gathered for the sold out events in the two cities, with tickets sold out and scores of revellers gathering for a new year’s party across the nation.
Despite the miserable weather, partygoers flocked to the banks of the Thames throughout the evening, ahead of the traditional London 12 minute coverage of fireworks which lit up the skies as Big Ben struck midnight.
The light show also featured drones lighting up the night sky. Coincidently, this is the 100 year anniversary of the Firework display being covered on television.
Fireworks light up the sky over Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Clock
Throughout the jawdropping display, spectators were treated to a chart-topping soundtracked featuring the Spice Girls, The Kinks, Dua Lipa and Eurodance classic Freed from Desire.
Also included in the celebrations were clips of King Charles, a tribute to the NHS at 75 and a celebration of Windrush.
‘London’s biggest night of the year paid homage to the Coronation of our new monarch and featured a recorded message from His Majesty King Charles III celebrating our society’s diversity,’ said a statement.
‘It also marked 75 years of the NHS, 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush and 10 years since same-sex marriage became legalised.’
The office of the London mayor revealed the display involved ‘2,000 fireworks, 600 drones, 430 lights and a varied soundtrack of songs and voice-over clips’.
Mayor Sadiq Khan called it the ‘best and biggest ever celebration’ in London – ‘sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world’.
30 Years for the Edinburgh street garden party
Meanwhile in Edinburgh, scores of people gathered at the Princes Garden Street Party and Concert in the Gardens in what mark’s the festival’s 30th anniversary.
The event, organised by UniqueAssembly and City of Edinburgh Council, was headlined by Pulp, who have not played in the city in 20 years.
London has the best firework display
London has the best firework display in the world! #LondonNYE #LondonFireworks pic.twitter.com/Lnrj6L5ivP
— Charlie Watts (@char1iewatts) January 1, 2024
Fireworks illuminate the sky above London
Revellers in central London ahead of the New Year celebrations
Following their set, fireworks began at midnight and will end at around 00.50am on Monday.
Alex MacDonald, 26, said he is most excited for Pulp and the fireworks.
He told reporters: ‘I’m heavy looking forward to Pulp, like – it’s gonna be smashing.
‘The fireworks will be phenomenal man. It’ll be brilliant. We’ll have a heavy bevy to that, ken what I’m saying?’
Love it! ð³ï¸âð #LondonNYE #LondonFireworks pic.twitter.com/gdDWio6MUz
— Charlie Watts (@char1iewatts) January 1, 2024
