• Millions across the UK gathered for fireworks, street parties and Hogmanay to welcome 2026.
  • London staged Europe’s biggest pyrotechnic show with 12,000 fireworks and 100,000 spectators.
  • Edinburgh’s sold-out Hogmanay drew ~45,000 revellers; snow and ice warnings affect parts of the UK.

Fireworks, music and midnight bongs in London

As Big Ben rang in the new year, the London Eye anchored what organisers described as Europe’s largest fireworks display. Around 12,000 fireworks were launched in a choreographed show watched from the Thames by roughly 100,000 people.

The soundtrack featured big names such as Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, while voiceovers from celebrities framed highlights of 2025. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the event “legendary,” saying it celebrated togetherness across the city.

Celebrations across the nations

Edinburgh revived its famous Hogmanay street party after last year’s cancellations. Approximately 45,000 people attended the sold-out event, which included a six-minute display around Edinburgh Castle and a soundtrack featuring Scottish acts including Lewis Capaldi and Simple Minds. The finale closed with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Skye duo Valtos.

Other major cities — including Belfast, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle — hosted fireworks and street events. Many towns and communities also held smaller gatherings and new year’s day parade events, bringing local traditions into the celebrations.

Weather warnings: snow and ice

The festivities came with a chill. A yellow Met Office warning for snow and ice covered northern Scotland early on New Year’s Day and a further warning on 2 January covered large swathes of England and Wales, extending as far south as London and Kent.

Organisers reminded attendees to plan travel carefully as conditions could affect roads and public transport in the days after the holiday.

Faces in the crowd

Visitors made the most of the atmosphere. A family from Liverpool and international tourists from New Jersey said Edinburgh’s party vibe and dancing made it their preferred way to ring in the new year, preferring it to other global traditions.

Global highlights and final note

Across the world, cities from Sydney to Rio de Janeiro staged major firework displays, while Japan and South Korea marked the moment with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies. Even on the ice, the crew of the RRS Sir David Attenborough marked the passing of the year with the ship’s bell.

By midday GMT the whole planet had arrived in 2026, following a night of celebration from capitals to local streets and parades.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy594gkele3o