Millions of people across the UK ushered in 2026 with fireworks displays, street parties and public gatherings, as cities marked the start of the new year amid forecasts
of wintry weather.
In London, tens of thousands lined the banks of the Thames to watch the capital’s largest fireworks display to date. Around 12,000 fireworks were launched as Big Ben struck midnight, with an estimated 100,000 people attending in person and millions more watching on television.
The display, centred on the London Eye, celebrated cultural and sporting highlights from 2025. A music-led soundtrack featured artists including Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, alongside voiceovers from well-known figures such as Celia Imrie and Alison Hammond. Moments recognised during the show included England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup victory, the Lionesses’ European Championship win and Cynthia Erivo’s role in ‘Wicked: For Good’.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan described the event as “legendary”, saying it carried a message of unity and togetherness as the city entered the new year.
In Edinburgh, large crowds gathered for the city’s famous Hogmanay celebrations, with fireworks illuminating the castle in a six-minute choreographed display. Around 45,000 people attended the sold-out street party, marking the return of a full-scale official celebration after events were cancelled in 2024 because of extreme weather.
The Edinburgh celebrations featured music from Scottish artists including Lewis Capaldi and Simple Minds, and concluded with a rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ by Skye duo Valtos. Some of the fireworks used had been salvaged from last year’s cancelled display.
Elsewhere, cities including Belfast, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle also held public celebrations to welcome the new year.
As festivities drew to a close, forecasters warned of a cold start to 2026. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice were issued for northern Scotland, followed by alerts covering large parts of England and Wales, extending as far south as London and Kent.
Celebrations also took place around the world, from bell-ringing ceremonies in Japan and South Korea to large-scale fireworks displays in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. Photo by SIMarsden, Wikimedia commons.