London's official New Year's Eve fireworks display takes place beside the River Thames near the London Eye.
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel on the South Bank, opposite Westminster and close to the Houses of Parliament. Its illuminated circular form is a prominent part of televised views of the midnight display, although fireworks are launched from multiple points along the river and nearby landmarks.
London began staging a large organized fireworks celebration at the turn of the millennium. The modern annual display developed from that event and is coordinated by the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority.
The London Eye itself opened to the public in 2000 as the Millennium Wheel. It is often confused with the display's exact launch site, but the fireworks are not simply fired from the wheel; the wheel is the best-known visual landmark beside the celebration.