Where is best to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the UK?
NEW Year’s Eve just isn’t right without fireworks, whether it’s a low-key Catherine wheel in your garden or a powerful professional pyrotechnic production.
So here’s the lowdown on the best of this year’s dazzling displays, ranging from riverside revelries in London to castle rock rockets in Edinburgh.
Where is best to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the UK?
London
London’s Thames-side New Year’s Eve fireworks display is reliably one of the UK’s most spectacular year after year.
Choreographed bursts over the London Eye and Westminster are timed to coincide with the midnight chimes of Big Ben.
Watched by huge crowds along the river, official viewing areas are ticketed.
This means a great many people choose nearby bridges, streets, bars or boats to get a glimpse of the glittering skyline.
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Edinburgh
The Hogmanay fireworks over Edinburgh Castle are another must-see, with rockets fired from the castle rock ringing in the New Year.
The sensational spectacle is visible across much of the city, while a pulsing street party unfolds below on Princes Street.
The combination of live music, traditional Hogmanay rituals and the dramatic castle backdrop makes this one of the most atmospheric midnight moments in the whole of Europe.
Newcastle
Newcastle’s Quayside puts on a striking New Year display over the River Tyne.
It utilises the Tyne Bridge and Glasshouse (formerly the Sage) as a spectacular stage for beautiful bursts in the sky.
There are family-friendly fireworks at 6pm, followed by the midnight main event.
Manchester
Manchester is hosting a fantastic fireworks display on Victoria Street from 10pm.
It’s worth noting that the event is alcohol-free.
But fear not – there’s lots of live entertainment leading up to the New Year countdown.
Cardiff
Cardiff’s New Year 2025/26 celebrations centre around the City Hall.
Live music will be performed on a stage in front of the City Hall, so you can have a dance before the fireworks start.
There’s also the Winter Wonderland, with a big wheel, festive drinks and traditional Welsh food.
Other great fireworks displays can be found in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Brighton Beach, York’s Castle Howard, Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, and Birmingham’s Centenary Square.
Can I watch New Year’s Eve fireworks on TV?
As Big Ben strikes midnight, live coverage of London’s spectacular fireworks display on the River Thames will be broadcast live on TV.
From 11.30pm, BBC One will be airing Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party.
The Boyzone legend will be joined by a host of pop and screen stars, and will even perform alongside former bandmates Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch.