Authorities in London have issued a stark warning to partygoers hoping to catch an unofficial glimpse of the capital's famous New Year's Eve fireworks display. They caution that popular spots like Tower Bridge offer a 'terrible' view, with the spectacle often hidden by the river's bend and central London's towering buildings.
Bridges Pose Safety Risk and Disappointment
Every year, thousands of revellers without tickets descend on bridges across the Thames, particularly Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Southwark Bridge, in the hope of seeing the pyrotechnics. The City Bridge Foundation, the charity responsible for five central bridges, has urged people to stay away to avoid both disappointment and danger from significant crowding.
Paul Martinelli, Chair of the City Bridge Foundation, stated: "We still expect to see significant crowding on the bridges, which can present a danger to all bridge users, including pedestrians and drivers." He advised that a far better view could be had by watching the BBC's live coverage at home or from one of London's many bars and restaurants.
Official Viewing Areas and Bridge Closures
Access to prime viewing locations is heavily restricted. The Millennium Bridge will be closed to the public from 7pm on 31st December, while Blackfriars Bridge is reserved for ticket holders only. All central bridges may be shut at short notice if safety becomes a concern.
Commander Umer Khan of the City of London Police reinforced the message, urging people not to stop on the bridges. "These bridges are outside the event perimeter and will remain open to traffic. In the interest of public safety, we're urging people not to stop on the bridges on New Year's Eve if they're expecting to see the fireworks display," he said.
The only official viewing areas are located along the Victoria Embankment, Waterloo and Westminster bridges, and parts of the South Bank. This warning follows news that other popular free vantage points, Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park, will also be closed due to safety fears.
Ticket Troubles and Mayor's Warning
The final batch of tickets for the official zones was released in late November and has sold out. The scramble for entry has led to a rampant secondary market, with touts inflating resale prices to over £250.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has explicitly warned Londoners against purchasing tickets from anywhere other than the official partner, Ticketmaster. "Each year disappointed people are turned away at the gates after unwittingly spending huge sums on fake tickets, so it’s important that people are aware of this threat," he cautioned.
London's flagship New Year's Eve fireworks show began in 2000 to mark the new millennium and has run every year since, including during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was broadcast without a live audience.
