London welcomed 2026 with a vibrant double act of public celebrations, as a huge New Year's Day parade followed the spectacular fireworks display over the Thames.
A Colourful Procession Through the West End
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of central London on Thursday 1st January 2026 to watch the annual New Year's Day Parade. Despite bitter temperatures, crowds were treated to a colourful display featuring more than 8,000 performers along the route from Piccadilly to Whitehall.
The parade was filled with marching bands, energetic acrobats, elaborate floats, and dancers. Highlights included performers dressed as bright daffodils and a procession of distinctive small open-top vehicles known as Mokes.
Fireworks Kick Off the Celebrations
The parade came after an estimated 100,000 people gathered on the banks of the River Thames to watch the capital's renowned New Year's Eve fireworks. The display, the largest annual firework show in Europe, illuminated the sky around the London Eye with more than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lights.
Set to a soundtrack featuring artists like Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, the fireworks celebrated the highlights of 2025. The show paid tribute to sporting achievements including England's Women's Rugby World Cup win, the Lionesses retaining the Euros, and Europe's Ryder Cup victory, with a nod also given to the film Wicked: For Good.
Mayor Hails London's Global Appeal
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan proudly declared the capital's festivities as the "greatest in the world." Speaking to the Press Association, he emphasised the theme of 'togetherness'.
"I think diversity is a strength, not a weakness – it makes us richer, not poorer, stronger, not weaker," Sir Sadiq said. "I'm delighted that we have once again shown why London's New Year's Eve celebrations are the greatest in the world."
Tracy Halliwell, director of tourism at London and Partners, which runs Visit London, added: "It's always fantastic to see Londoners and visitors from around the world come together and welcome the new year in London."
The combined events, from the high-tech fireworks with hologauze animations broadcast by the BBC to the traditional street parade, solidified London's reputation for hosting world-class public celebrations that draw both residents and international visitors.
