London holds the New Year's Eve countdown in Trafalgar Square and fireworks along the River Thames.
London's modern public celebration centers on the area around the London Eye, the River Thames, and nearby landmarks. Fireworks are launched from barges and the London Eye area, with views toward landmarks such as Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and Tower Bridge. Trafalgar Square has also been used as a major gathering and countdown location.
The large organized fireworks event began for the transition into 2000 and later developed into a ticketed central-London celebration. It is organized by the Greater London Authority, with the mayor playing a prominent public role.
London's event is sometimes confused with celebrations in other United Kingdom cities. Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool hold their own events, but the River Thames fireworks and Trafalgar Square countdown identify the London celebration.