Partygoers without tickets to the London New Year’s Fireworks have been warned as thousands flock to the iconic Thames crossing each year only to find the show hidden behind a river bend and tall buildings
Revellers hoping for a sneaky free view of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks have been warned that they will not be able to see the spectacular show.
Every year, thousands descend on Tower Bridge trying to get a glimpse of the display – only to discover that it is obscured by a river bend and towering buildings.
The City Bridge Foundation, which oversees and maintains five of London’s bridges, has issued similar warnings about London Bridge and Southwark Bridge.
Paul Martinelli, the charity’s chair, said: “We still expect to see significant crowding on the bridges, which can present a danger to all bridge users, including pedestrians and drivers who will also be using the bridges.
“We want everyone to have a happy New Year’s Eve, but if you’re after fireworks, you’ll get a much better view watching the BBC’s coverage at home or in one of London’s numerous bars and restaurants.”
The Millennium Bridge will be shut to the public from 7pm on December 31, and Blackfriars Bridge is restricted to ticket holders only. All bridges in the centre of the capital may be closed at short notice due to safety concerns, reports MyLondon.
Commander Umer Khan, from the City of London Police, added: “These bridges are outside the event perimeter and will remain open to traffic. In the interest of public safety, we’re urging people not to stop on the bridges on New Year’s Eve if they’re expecting to see the fireworks display.”
The warning of closure comes after the news that popular viewing spots Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park will also shut due to concerns over public safety.
Official viewing areas are only located along Victoria Embankment, Waterloo and Westminster bridges and parts of the South Bank.
A final batch of tickets was released in late November, and the event has since sold out. Trying to secure entry has become more difficult in recent years, with touts inflating resell prices to over £250.
Last month, Mayor Sadiq Khan urged Londoners not to purchase tickets from sites other than the official partner Ticketmaster, as those who do risk being turned away on the night.
He said: “Each year disappointed people are turned away at the gates after unwittingly spending huge sums on fake tickets, so it’s important that people are aware of this threat.”
London’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks show was first held to mark the millennium in 2000, with the display going ahead each year since – including during the Covid pandemic, when it was spread across multiple locations and broadcast without a live audience.
