London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations return after two-year absence to bring in 2023

New Year’s Eve celebrations are back in London on the banks of the river Thames for the first time since 2019.

Big Ben’s bongs will peal out at midnight on New Year’s Eve, followed by the UK’s biggest annual display of fireworks.

More than 100,000 ticket holders will watch the celebrations near the London Eye. For the past two years, the London event was on hold due to Covid restrictions.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at £15. The event is selling out fast, so the Mayor’s office is advising visitors to book early. There is a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Before ticketing was introduced, the event was massively oversubscribed, with more than 500,000 people making their way to central London.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m delighted that our fireworks are back and Londoners and visitors to our capital will again be able to join together on the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year. The celebrations are one of the biggest nights of the year for our capital’s hospitality industry and an unforgettable moment when the eyes of the world turn to our city.”

The display is broadcast live to 11 million people across the UK, and tens of millions further across the world.

Over the decade, the cost of the fireworks show has varied from £1.8 million in 2010 to £2.3 million in 2018 and 2019, according to Chorlton Fireworks. The average cost for the New Year’s fireworks show over the last ten years is £2 million. the Greater London Authority Arts and Culture Fund pays for the cost of the fireworks.

However, the price pales in comparison to other city celebrations. Sydney’s firework display was reportedly around £3.4 million.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 21 October. You can buy tickets here