‘They should give it to us for free’: Londoners on £20 charge for New Year’s Eve fireworks display

Londoners have voiced their thoughts on being charged £20 for the New Years Eve fireworks display by the River Thames.  

Fireworks displays are a popular activity for many Londoners to bring in the New Year, and the display by the Thames, next to the London Eye in central London, is one of the best-known spots in the city. 

The annual display put on by the mayor of London Sadiq Khan has already sold out. Despite this, some object to having to pay to see the fireworks in their own city.  

Simona said: “No, they shouldn’t charge. They should give it to us for free. We are charged for many other things.” 

Mary expressed her anger for the charge to LondonWorld. 

She said: “No, I think it’s terrible, because years ago for everyone it was free, but with Sadiq Khan who is not my favourite person, I think it’s terrible.” 

Amura shared similar thoughts: “And as for New Year and charging the London population to see the New Year fireworks, I think it’s disgusting.  

“Sorry, Mr Khan, you do a lot of good things, but that’s not one of them for Londoners. It’s all for the tourists.” 

Soham believes that people should pay for the fireworks, with the money going to charity for environmental reasons.  

He said: “I think people should be charged. It is a celebration but again we are polluting the environment and everything. 

“So, I’d say all proceeds should go to cleaning it up afterwards.” 

The London New Year’s Eve fireworks show was first put on in 2000 by the Greater London Authority and was estimated to have been seen in person by three million people.  

Each year’s display celebrates an achievement in the past year, or highlights something significant that took place.  

Themes in the past have celebrated the London Olympics in 2012, paid tribute to the Manchester Arena Bombing in 2017, and featured nods to Captain Tom’s charity walk and the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. 

Last year’s theme was “love and unity, and featured segments acknowledging the death of Queen Elizabeth II, whilst also highlighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

Londoners who were not able to secure a ticket to the 2023/24 display can still watch the show from their home, as it airs on television this New Years Eve.