The London Eye has hosted London's annual New Year's Eve fireworks display since the event began in 2000.
The giant Ferris wheel stands on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite the Palace of Westminster. Its height and location make it a powerful visual anchor for the fireworks, which are launched from the wheel, nearby river barges, and other points along the river depending on the year's design. The display is accompanied by the midnight chimes of Big Ben, even though the clock tower and the wheel are separate landmarks.
London's public celebration evolved into a major televised event watched in the United Kingdom and around the world. The fireworks are organized by the Mayor of London and are often coordinated with music and projections. Tickets and viewing arrangements can change from year to year, while many people watch from official broadcasts or distant viewpoints. A common mix-up identifies Big Ben as the fireworks site; Big Ben is the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, whereas the London Eye is the landmark most closely associated with the display.