At London's New Year's Eve celebration, Big Ben's clock is heard striking midnight before the fireworks.
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell in the north clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. In common usage, the name is often applied to the entire clock tower, although the tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012. The clock and bell are central symbols of London and are used in broadcasts of the New Year countdown.
London's large public celebration centers on the River Thames. Fireworks are launched from locations including the London Eye and nearby areas, creating a spectacle around the river after the midnight chimes.
Big Ben's sound has sometimes been unavailable during conservation work or technical interruptions. Its role in the celebration therefore depends on the clock and bell being able to broadcast the familiar hour signal.