At London's New Year's Eve fireworks, the London Eye is used as the central countdown backdrop.
The London Eye, a giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, is one of the defining visual features of London's annual celebration. Fireworks are staged around the river and viewed from the wheel, bridges, embankments, and designated viewing areas. The countdown is broadcast widely in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The wheel opened to the public in 2000 as part of millennium celebrations and quickly became one of London's most recognizable landmarks. Its illuminated circular form makes it especially effective in televised midnight imagery.
Big Ben is often visible in coverage and is closely associated with the city's countdown, but it is a clock tower and bell rather than the central landmark around which the fireworks are staged. The London Eye's official name has also changed over time through sponsorship arrangements, but “London Eye” remains its familiar name.