London welcomed 2026 with a spectacular and record-breaking fireworks display that illuminated the night sky over the capital, captured in stunning aerial footage.
A Bird's-Eye View of the Celebrations
The breathtaking scale of the celebrations was documented from above by a helicopter from the National Police Air Service (NPAS). The unique footage provides a panoramic view of the pyrotechnics that erupted across the city as the clock struck midnight on Tuesday, 31 December 2025. The official display centred on Westminster was confirmed as the largest not just in London, but across the entire United Kingdom and Europe.
A Record-Breaking Display in Westminster
At the heart of the festivities, the organised show in Westminster was a technical marvel. Over 12,000 individual fireworks were launched during the main event, creating a symphony of light and colour over the River Thames and iconic landmarks. The scale and ambition of the display solidified its status as a premier global event for marking the new year.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan did not hold back in his praise for the city's efforts. He proudly declared the capital's New Year's Eve celebrations to be 'the greatest in the world', a sentiment echoed by the thousands of spectators who braved the winter night to witness the show firsthand.
Ringing in a New Year with a Bang
The successful event marks a vibrant start to 2026 for London, showcasing the city's ability to host world-class public celebrations. The NPAS footage, released in the early hours of Friday, 2 January 2026, has allowed millions more to experience the magnitude of the display from a unique vantage point, sharing in the celebratory mood that swept across the capital.
The combination of advanced pyrotechnics, iconic scenery, and monumental scale ensures London's New Year's Eve fireworks remain a key date in the international calendar, setting a high bar for urban celebrations globally.
