As night falls, tens of thousands of eager revelers have gathered in the heart of London to witness the iconic Big Ben chime in the New Year.
An impressive crowd of around 100,000 party enthusiasts, both local and international, have converged on the capital, excitedly awaiting the renowned fireworks spectacle over the Thames.
Despite the festive atmosphere, not all residents are thrilled, as many Londoners express frustration over the closure of popular parks throughout the city.
Primrose Hill, a favored spot for watching the fireworks, has been shut down for ‘public safety’ reasons, while Hyde Park and Greenwich Park will close early in an effort to deter partygoers.
On the other side of the globe, countries like Australia, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines have already celebrated the New Year with dazzling displays illuminating their skies.
As Britons joyfully head to festivities in London, Cardiff, and the legendary Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh, they must also brace for an impending cold snap.
The Met Office have issued yellow weather warnings for snow and ice issued across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, which are set to take grip of the country from midnight until 12pm on January 2.
Sisters Lisi and Aura from Gran Canaria celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Jamie and Titus Crabtree with Thomas Horton III from America wear kilts to celebrate Hogmanay 2026 in the Scottish capital city
Revellers draw out 2026 with their sparklers as they celebrate New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh
Photos taken this afternoon show London Bridge already packed out as Brits don wooly hats and scarves in preparation for the occasion
Visitors are pictured taking photos with the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, which will chime in the new year
One large poster read, in capital letters: ‘NYE event tickets sold out’
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan issued a reminder today that ‘tonight is the night’ – advising those without a ticket that they could still watch the display on television ‘from the comfort’ of their home.
It comes as tickets for the event have already sold out meaning those without one will have no choice but to watch it online.
Photos taken this afternoon show London Bridge already packed out as Brits don wooly hats and scarves in preparation for the occasion.
Signs have also been spotted around London’s stations, directing attendees to where they can watch the event.
One large poster read, in capital letters: ‘NYE event tickets sold out’.
Mr Khan said this evening: ‘The doors are about to open. It’s going to be a great night. We start working on these fireworks in July.
A magnificent fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok as Thailand rang in the New Year
A colourful display lights up the sky in Singapore as the country welcome in 2026
Dancers perform at the Juyongguan Great Wall, Beijing, on January 1 as revellers celebrate the New Year
A projection mapping is displayed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building as the Southeast Asian country welcomes 2026
Fireworks explode over skyscrapers on New Year’s in Manila, Philippines
Fireworks light up the sky in Taipei, Taiwan as they ring in the New Year
‘We’ve got more than 12,000 fireworks. We have lights and we’re going to have illuminations.’
The Labour mayor went on to claim the display was going to be ‘the best fireworks in the world’.
He boasted Londoners could expect the fireworks to reflect us to ‘look back at our successes’.
And he hinted at a voiceover from a London movie story as well as ‘somebody looking for a husband’.
‘It’s a great chance to showcase our city to the world. So there is a serious point as well to a great night of fun,’ Mr Khan said.
He added: ‘Unfortunately we know there are bad people who want to cause us harm’, going on to claim ‘we are a target because of our diversity’.
Speaking on security measures, he said organisers would remain vigilant but that everyone should enjoy the night.
