London and Edinburgh welcome 2026 with spectacular displays

The UK has celebrated the arrival of 2026 with large firework displays across the country.

London’s mayor Sir Sadiq Khan hailed the New Year’s celebrations in the capital as the “greatest in the world” after more than 100,000 people flocked to the banks of the River Thames to see the firework display.

The 12-minute show started with the familiar sounds of Big Ben’s chimes, before more than 12,000 fireworks and 400 lights illuminated the night sky around the London Eye.

Feats like England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup win, the Lionesses’ retention of the Euros, and Europe’s Ryder Cup win were celebrated in the display.

The show also featured references to the UK’s hottest summer on record, the film Wicked: For Good, and a social media meme reminding Britons to enjoy a cup of tea.

A soundtrack including tracks by Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, and voiceovers from celebrities like Celia Imrie, Andrew Cotter and Alison Hammond, accompanied the fireworks.

“I’m delighted that we have once again shown why London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are the greatest in the world,” Sir Sadiq said.

“The eyes of the globe were looking on as we lit up our famous skyline with our best-ever display of fireworks and lighting, all to an incredible soundtrack.

“From celebrating our wonderful year of women’s sport and Europe beating the USA in the Ryder Cup, to celebrating our diversity and looking ahead to a fantastic 2026, we’ve sent the message that London will always be a city of hope and a place for everyone.”

In Scotland, Edinburgh’s famous three-day Hogmanay celebrations feature thousands of fireworks above Edinburgh Castle, a massive outdoor street party, and a concert headlined by the band Wet Leg.

More than 40,000 people gathered in the city centre to watch the event’s return following last year’s cancellation due to bad weather.