Tickets for the Mayor of London's annual New Year's Eve fireworks display go on sale today at 12pm. The event draws thousands of Londoners to the banks of the Thames, with fireworks, lights and music illuminating the capital in what has been described as "one of the most important moments in our city's cultural calendar".
Tickets sell out fast every year, leaving many unable to attend. Sadiq Khan is urging Londoners to buy their tickets "as soon as possible so you don't miss out on experiencing the best New Year's Eve fireworks show in the world." He added: "Nowhere in the world brings in the new year like London. Every year our unique display of fireworks, lighting and music shows off the very best of London, as around 100,000 Londoners and visitors line the banks of the River Thames and millions watch on around the world."
When do tickets go on sale?
The first batch of tickets will be released at midday on October 23. This is the best chance to secure a ticket, as the majority will be sold then. A final, smaller batch will go on sale nearer the event date.
How to buy tickets and what they cost
Tickets are sold exclusively through Ticketmaster, and only these will be accepted. Falsely advertised tickets from other vendors will not be valid. The ticket grants access to designated viewing areas, and anyone without a ticket cannot enter. Reselling is strictly prohibited, but an authorised method is available through the Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale platform. It is advisable to create a Ticketmaster account in advance.
Ticket prices are £20 and £35 for Londoners, depending on the viewing area. For those outside the capital, prices are £40 and £55. The higher rate gives access to Category A areas, including Waterloo Bridge, Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment, while the lower rate covers Belvedere Road and Albert Embankment. A postcode verification process during booking is based on the card used.
Viewing zones and what to expect
Ticket holders can access one of six colour-coded viewing areas, but cannot move between zones. Blue covers Victoria Embankment from Westminster Bridge to Golden Jubilee Footbridge. Pink provides access to Waterloo Bridge. White covers Westminster Bridge. Red covers Victoria Embankment from Golden Jubilee Footbridge to Temple Avenue. Green covers the area behind the London Eye. Orange, the accessible viewing area, covers Albert Embankment, river side of St Thomas's Hospital.
Vantage points open from around 8pm on December 31, with official timings yet to be shared. Attendees should eat beforehand, as food vendors can have long queues and high prices. Alcoholic beverages are allowed with strict quantity limits; in previous years, only two cans of beer or wine per person were permitted, and glass bottles were banned.
If tickets appear sold out, staying on the Ticketmaster page may help, as tickets in baskets are often re-released when transactions are not completed. The Blue Zone is reportedly the most sought-after for its views over Victoria Embankment, but trees may obstruct the view. The White Zone offers views next to Big Ben. For travel, avoiding Westminster and Waterloo stations and walking from Holborn, Piccadilly Circus or Tottenham Court Road is recommended.
