Britain and the world have spectacularly welcomed 2026, with London's Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan declaring the capital's celebrations the "greatest in the world" after a breathtaking pyrotechnics display over the Thames.
London Lights Up the Global Stage
An estimated 100,000 people braved the chilly but clear night to line the riverbanks, witnessing Europe's largest fireworks show. The London Eye served as the stunning centrepiece for a display that launched more than 12,000 fireworks, synchronised to a powerful soundtrack featuring artists like Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay.
Sir Sadiq Khan stated, "The eyes of the globe were looking on as we lit up our famous skyline with our best-ever display of fireworks and lighting, all to an incredible soundtrack." The show paid tribute to key moments from 2025, including:
- England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup victory.
- The Lionesses retaining the Euros football trophy.
- Europe’s Ryder Cup golf win.
- A nod to the film Wicked: For Good.
Hogmanay and Nationwide Revelry
In Scotland, Edinburgh's traditional Hogmanay festivities drew thousands to Princes Street for a six-and-a-half-minute fireworks spectacle above the castle. The display was set to a soundtrack including Lewis Capaldi, Eurythmics, and Simple Minds.
Across England, Manchester's free city-centre event in St Peter's Square also attracted huge crowds, with fireworks rising from the Central Library. Public displays lit up skies in numerous other towns and cities as the UK collectively rang in the new year.
A Global Celebration
The UK's celebrations were part of a worldwide wave of festivities. Major cities including New York, Sydney, Paris, and Berlin all hosted their own iconic events. From the confetti in Times Square to the illuminations at the Arc de Triomphe and Brandenburg Gate, the world entered 2026 in a united, dazzling spirit.
The successful, large-scale events across Britain mark a vibrant and hopeful start to the year, showcasing the enduring appeal of shared public celebration as a global tradition.
