• Millions across the UK celebrated the arrival of 2026 with fireworks, street parties and traditional gatherings.
• London staged its largest-ever pyrotechnic display with 12,000 fireworks and 100,000 riverside spectators.
• Edinburgh’s sold-out Hogmanay returned with 45,000 attendees and a soundtrack of Scottish stars.
• Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice were issued across parts of the UK, affecting travel and events.
H2: London leads with record pyrotechnics
As the clock struck midnight, Big Ben’s iconic bongs rang across the capital and the London Eye became the focal point of what organisers billed as Europe’s biggest New Year firework display. Around 12,000 fireworks were launched in a show watched by roughly 100,000 people along the Thames.
The display celebrated highlights from 2025 and featured music from Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. Voiceovers from celebrities such as Celia Imrie and Alison Hammond were woven into the soundtrack. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan described the display as the most “legendary” in the world and said it underscored “the importance of togetherness.”
H3: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns in force
Scotland’s famous Hogmanay street party made a strong comeback after last year’s official events were cancelled due to extreme weather. Approximately 45,000 people attended the sold-out celebration at Edinburgh Castle, which was lit by a six-minute choreography of fireworks.
Organisers used some pyrotechnics salvaged from the cancelled 2024 show. The soundtrack leaned on Scottish talent, including Lewis Capaldi and Simple Minds, and the finale featured a rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Skye duo Valtos.
Attendees included families and international visitors who said the atmosphere and energy were reasons to travel specifically for Edinburgh’s New Year events.
H4: Other UK events and local gatherings
Across the UK, cities from Belfast to Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle held their own fireworks and street parties. Many towns and cities also plan new year’s day parade events and local celebrations on 1 January to continue the festivities into the new year.
H4: Weather warnings and travel impact
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in northern Scotland from 06:00 GMT through Friday, with a further yellow warning covering large parts of England and Wales on 2 January. The second warning stretches as far south as London and Kent and could affect road and rail travel.
H5: A global moment
The UK’s celebrations were part of a global wave of New Year events. Japan and South Korea marked the moment with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies. Sydney lit up its harbour with fireworks, and Rio de Janeiro staged a massive display on Copacabana Beach. Even the crew aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough in the Antarctic marked the turn of the year with the ship’s bell.
By midday GMT on 1 January, it officially became 2026 worldwide. UK cities signalled a return to large-scale, in-person festivities while authorities urged caution for travellers as winter weather moves in.
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy594gkele3o
