Thousands endured freezing temperatures as fireworks lit London and edinburgh to welcome 2026
Britain ushered in 2026 with dramatic scenes across its major cities as thousands gathered in freezing conditions to witness vast New Year celebrations led by London and Edinburgh.
In the capital, crowds packed the banks of the River Thames despite temperatures hovering around zero. Around 100,000 people secured tickets for the sold out event near the London Eye, while millions more watched from home as the clock struck midnight.
The London display burst into life with more than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lights illuminating the skyline. Set against the Thames, the show unfolded to a soundtrack featuring British and international artists including Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. Voiceovers from familiar television and radio figures accompanied the performance as the display reflected on the past year.
Key moments from 2025 were woven into the celebration. England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup victory and the Lionesses retaining the Euros were highlighted, alongside Europe’s Ryder Cup success. There was also a reference to the film Wicked For Good and a nod to the summer being the hottest on record in the UK.
The show included visual effects using hologauze animations, creating layered images around the London Eye. The BBC broadcast captured the scale of what organisers described as the largest annual fireworks display in Europe.
London’s mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said the theme of the night was togetherness. He spoke of diversity as a strength and said the event showed why London’s New Year celebrations continue to draw global attention. He said the city had once again demonstrated its ability to bring people together from across the world.
Away from the capital, Scotland welcomed the return of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations after last year’s events were cancelled due to bad weather. More than 40,000 people attended, with crowds gathering on Princes Street well before midnight.
Entertainment in Edinburgh included pipe bands, drummers, DJ sets and a silent disco. Belgian duo 2manydjs were among the performers, while hourly teaser fireworks lit up the sky above Edinburgh Castle in the build up to the main display.
One attendee, a primary school teacher from New Zealand, said she travelled specifically to experience Hogmanay after a friend missed out last year. She described the atmosphere as calm early on but expected the streets to quickly fill as midnight approached.
Fireworks erupted over Edinburgh Castle as the new year arrived, marking the city’s return to full scale celebrations. Organisers confirmed that more than 40,000 tickets had been sold, signalling strong demand following the previous year’s cancellation.
Elsewhere in the UK, other cities also prepared to welcome 2026 with fireworks and public events. Manchester planned its official display in St Peter’s Square, while Newcastle upon Tyne hosted its own celebration on the Quayside.
Newcastle’s event, branded Howaymanay, offered a regional twist on the Scottish tradition, combining music, crowds and a large scale fireworks display to welcome the new year.
Across the country, the scenes reflected a shared determination to mark the start of 2026 together, even as cold weather tested those who chose to celebrate outdoors.