For the second consecutive year, hundreds of hopeful revellers were left out in the cold after being tricked into attending a completely fictitious New Year's Eve fireworks display in Birmingham city centre.
Chilly Disappointment in Centenary Square
On New Year's Eve, large crowds gathered in Centenary Square, enduring freezing temperatures in anticipation of a spectacular show to welcome 2026. Excited attendees, with phones at the ready, packed the streets only to be informed by police officers that the advertised event was not happening.
Videos shared on TikTok captured the packed scenes and the subsequent disappointed exodus as people filed away with no fireworks in sight. This mirrored an almost identical incident from the previous year, which saw thousands descend on the same square under false pretences.
The AI-Generated Source of the Hoax
Analysis suggests the root of the misinformation lies in AI-generated blog posts. These articles, which purportedly list the 'best' UK firework displays, appear to recycle outdated information. A New Year's fireworks display has not been officially held in Birmingham city centre since 2017.
One such advert included in an online round-up claimed the Birmingham event would run from 8pm to 12.30am, promising "the biggest NYE party in the city" with street food, an ice rink, and bars. In reality, these details were fabricated, likely pulled from descriptions of past events.
Police Warning Over Misinformation Dangers
Ahead of the celebrations, West Midlands Police proactively addressed the rumours, issuing a clear warning to the public. A police spokesperson stated: "There are no official firework displays or city-organised events happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year's Eve."
The force emphasised the serious consequences of such hoaxes, noting they create unnecessary pressure on emergency services and public transport, lead to congestion, and ultimately result in widespread frustration and disappointment for families who make unnecessary journeys.
The spokesperson urged the public to treat unsourced social media posts with extreme caution and to only share information from trusted, official sources. Officers were on high-visibility patrols in the city centre over the festive period to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
