London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are centered on the London Eye, the giant observation wheel on the south bank of the River Thames. Fireworks are launched from and around the wheel, creating the event’s most recognizable silhouette.
The modern annual display began in 2000, when London marked the new millennium with a major fireworks celebration. Since then, the event has become one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent public New Year celebrations, with viewing areas along the Thames and a large television audience.
Big Ben is often associated with the celebration because its clock chimes mark midnight, but it is not the main fireworks landmark. Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral may appear in views of London’s skyline, yet neither serves as the central launch structure.
The official event has used controlled viewing zones and ticketed riverside areas in busy years. The London Eye itself opened to the public in 2000 and was originally known as the Millennium Wheel.