London New Year’s Eve fireworks: watch the display

A breathtaking display of fireworks lit up London’s night sky on New Year’s Eve, as huge crowds descended on the Capital, for the arrival of 2015. 

A crew of more than 300 set up some 12,000 fireworks, with a combined weight of 15 tons, across London’s South Bank, resulting in spectacular blasts, among others, from the frame of the London Eye.

The display was ushered in by a ten minute digital countdown on the western facade of The Shard, followed by lighting comprised of searchlights, strobes and a 2015 numeric graphic.

The 11 minute presentation, said to have cost £1.8 million, started with an explosion of light synchronised with the midnight chimes of Big Ben, and featured a poignant commemoration of the centenary of the First World War with bursts of red fireworks representing poppies. 

An upbeat soundtrack relayed British hits from the year, including favourites by Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Calvin Harris and Ella Henderson. At the close of the pyrotechnics, in accordance with tradition, the tune of Auld Lang Syne rang out and revellers were soon singing along.

This year, a ticket system was introduced to limit the numbers of people at the prime viewing sites to 100,000. The £10 passes were first made available to the public in September, with a staggered release to ensure multiple opportunities to secure a place on the night. This scheme was brought forward following an estimated attendance of 500,000 for the 2013-14 New Year display, which resulted in many being turned away for safety reasons.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, commented: “Tonight’s dazzling celebrations have shown London at its best. I hope everyone who attended and watched from home, here in the UK and across the globe, were as impressed with this fabulous showcase for our great city. A great start to 2015, I’d like to thank everyone involved and wish you all a very happy New Year.”

Rebekah Absalom