Britain welcomed the year 2026 with dazzling fireworks displays across the globe. Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, praised London’s New Year festivities as the best worldwide, with over 100,000 spectators gathering along the River Thames for Europe’s largest fireworks exhibition.
The spectacular pyrotechnics show, synchronized to a soundtrack featuring artists like Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, commemorated notable events of 2025. The display highlighted achievements such as England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup victory, the Lionesses securing the Euros, and Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph, alongside a tribute to the film “Wicked: For Good.”
With more than 12,000 fireworks and 400 lights illuminating the sky near the London Eye, attendees enjoyed the show in cold but clear weather conditions. Sir Sadiq expressed, “The world watched as we illuminated our iconic skyline with our most impressive fireworks and lighting, all set to an amazing soundtrack.”
In Edinburgh, thousands of revelers gathered in the city center to ring in 2026 as part of the traditional Hogmanay festivities. A remarkable fireworks display unfolded above Edinburgh Castle, set to music from artists like Lewis Capaldi, Eurythmics, and Simple Minds.
Public fireworks exhibitions took place in various towns and cities nationwide, including Manchester, where crowds congregated in St Peter’s Square. Internationally, major celebrations were held in cities such as New York, Berlin, Paris, and Sydney.
The skies behind Big Ben shimmered with an astounding fireworks showcase. The London Eye stood as the focal point of the pyrotechnics display, attracting a massive crowd of 100,000 spectators along the River Thames. In Edinburgh, the streets buzzed with excitement as revelers observed the traditional Hogmanay celebration at midnight.
Manchester’s Central Library served as the backdrop for the city’s free New Year’s Eve event, with fireworks lighting up the sky. Meanwhile, in Times Square, confetti rained down on the crowd at midnight, with a reveller sporting festive eyewear. Sydney, known for setting the standard for global New Year’s celebrations, continued its tradition of spectacular displays.
Public fireworks exhibitions also took place at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, marking the start of the new year with grandeur and excitement.