London has hosted the annual New Year's Eve fireworks beside the London Eye since the millennium celebrations.
The event is centered on the River Thames, with fireworks launched from barges and nearby structures. The London Eye, officially the Millennium Wheel when it opened, forms a prominent part of the skyline and became closely associated with the city's midnight broadcast.
Large organized fireworks were introduced for the 2000 New Year celebration. In later years, the event developed into a ticketed viewing area along the river, while millions more watched on television. The display commonly incorporates music, projections, and a countdown linked to Big Ben, although the clock tower's bell and the fireworks are separate features.
London's celebration is often confused with the New Year's Eve event in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a distinct festival with its own street party, concert, and torchlight traditions. London is the capital of the United Kingdom and lies in England, while Edinburgh is Scotland's capital.