The United Kingdom ushered in the year 2026 with spectacular, large-scale celebrations in its capital and its northern cultural heart, drawing massive crowds for iconic fireworks displays that lit up the night sky.
London's "Greatest in the World" Thames Spectacle
In the capital, more than 100,000 people gathered along the banks of the River Thames on New Year's Eve to witness what Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan hailed as the world's greatest celebrations. The centrepiece was a dazzling 12-minute fireworks and light show launched from around the London Eye.
The display commenced with the iconic chimes of Big Ben before the sky erupted with colour. The technically impressive show utilised more than 12,000 fireworks and 400 powerful lights to illuminate the famous skyline. The soundtrack featured hits from artists like Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay.
Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his delight, stating: "The eyes of the globe were looking on as we lit up our famous skyline with our best-ever display of fireworks and lighting." He emphasised that the show sent a message that London remains "a city of hope and a place for everyone."
A Celebration of a Memorable Year
The London fireworks display was carefully curated to reflect key moments from the preceding year. Notable feats celebrated included:
- England's Women's Rugby World Cup victory.
- The Lionesses' successful retention of the UEFA European Championship.
- Europe's triumph in the Ryder Cup.
The show also referenced the UK's record-breaking summer heat, featured a nod to the film Wicked: For Good, and even included a playful social media meme encouraging Britons to enjoy a classic cup of tea.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Makes a Triumphant Return
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Edinburgh's world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations returned in full force after last year's cancellation due to severe weather. The famous three-day festival kicked off with thousands of fireworks exploding above the historic Edinburgh Castle.
More than 40,000 revellers packed the city centre for a massive outdoor street party and a concert headlined by the popular band Wet Leg. The event marked a joyful and vibrant return for one of the planet's most famous New Year's Eve parties.
The simultaneous celebrations in London and Edinburgh demonstrated the UK's enduring tradition of marking the New Year with large-scale, public, and visually stunning events, drawing both domestic and international attention to welcome 2026.
