New Year’s Eve fireworks: Best UK displays to ring in 2026
With 2026 just hours away, many people will still be deciding how to spend their final moments of the year. Some may prefer to spend the night out, while others may prefer a more relaxed evening and an early bedtime.
But one of the most popular and low-effort ways to ring in the new year is by finding a good place to watch the fireworks. Pyrotechnics performed on New Year’s are often among the most powerful of the year and are worth watching.
Not all of the UK’s major cities will host official fireworks displays this year. It has been confirmed that places such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff and Belfast will not have a council-backed demonstration in 2025/26.
Of course, one of the easiest ways is to find an unofficial fireworks display nearby, of which there will be many. Everyone is free to wear it on their own as long as it is done safely and legally.
But for a huge show backed by bigger funds and professional technicians, there are many cities in the UK worth visiting.
Here’s a guide to some of the best and biggest fireworks happening in the country tonight:
London
The biggest fireworks display in London will be the Mayor’s fireworks on London’s New Year’s Eve this year, as in previous years.
This is the event broadcast on BBC One each year during the New Year countdown and watched by over 10 million people in the UK.
Tickets to see the exhibition up close are very popular and usually sell out long before New Year’s Eve. As preparations progress, areas around the exhibition begin to close to the public from 2pm, including parts of the Embankment and Lambeth.
In previous years, one of the most popular places to watch the fireworks from a distance was Camden’s Primrose Hill, where 30,000 spectators gathered last year. However, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the park will close at 8pm on December 31 and will not reopen until 6am the next day.
Royal Parks, the charity that runs the site, says this is partly due to the Met’s decision to disband the Royal Parks police earlier this year.
Where to watch London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks live?
Instead, revelers may want to travel a little further afield to Parliament Hill in the heart of Hampstead Heath. The huge green space is one of the highest natural points in central London and offers panoramic views of the city.
Londoners on the south side of the river can similarly enjoy views from Lewisham Telegraph Hill or Hilly Fields. Royal Parks has confirmed that Greenwich Park, with its famous viewpoint, will be closed.
Manchester
The official New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Manchester will take place in St Peter’s Square in the city centre. Fireworks are launched from the roof of Manchester Central Library and can be seen from miles away.
The event is free but capacity is limited to 20,000. Those interested are advised to allow plenty of time to ensure they get a good spot.
Two of the most popular viewing spots just outside the city center are Werneth Low in Tameside and Tandle Hill Country Park in Oldham; Crowds can be expected.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Hogmanay, which was canceled last year due to extreme weather conditions, will take place once again in 2025.
Much more than a fireworks display, the event is a festival dedicated to Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s celebration, in the country’s own capital.
The event will start at 8pm and tickets for the street party and festivities are still available for £33.
Large crowds can also be expected at Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s natural viewing platform, where you can get an excellent view of the fireworks.
newcastle
This year Newcastle is staging its own “Howaymanay” to celebrate the new year. Geordie’s take on the Scottish tradition will be a festival in itself, boasting a massive fireworks display of course.
The event will take place on Newcastle’s Quayside, right in the city centre. Attractions include live music, food and drink, and a late-night party.
While Howaymanay is ticketed (£6), two fireworks displays, at 6pm and midnight, will be free for everyone to enjoy.
