More than 100,000 people gathered for London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Huge crowds gathered along the Thames Embankment to watch 12,000 fireworks streak across the sky.
It was the first time since 2019, when the Covid pandemic started, that people were able to attend the display.
The capital welcomed 2023 with a 12-minute fireworks and drone celebration that highlighted the Lionesses’ history-making Euro 2022 win at Wembley, marked 50 years of London’s Pride with a powerful message from Peter Tatchell from the Gay Liberation Front, and sent a message of support to Ukraine
The display also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, featuring a voice recording from Her Majesty and words from Dame Judi Dench, and honoured King Charles III, together with a message from His Majesty about the need to preserve our planet’s future.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was "delighted" that Londoners and visitors could once again join together on the banks of the River Thames to ring in the new year.
“I’m proud that we have sent a message of love, hope and unity and I am excited for 2023 as we continue to build a better, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”
1. Big Ben bonged as the clock struck midnight
Fireworks lit up the London skyline over Big Ben and the London Eye just after midnight on January 1, 2023 | Getty Images
2. The sold-out show paid tribute to the late Queen
Drones formed the shape of a crown in the sky, before transforming into the shape of ER II | Getty Images
3. The display honoured King Charles III
A drone show paying tribute to King Charles III was seen over the London skyline | Getty Images
4. Huge crowds gathered along the Thames Embankment to watch 12,000 fireworks streak across the sky.
Crowds filmed the display on their mobile phones | Credit: Sadiq Khan