The London Eye has been the main launch site for many modern New Year’s Eve fireworks along the River Thames.
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel on the South Bank, opposite the Palace of Westminster. Since the early twenty-first century, London’s televised countdown has used fireworks launched from and around the wheel, nearby barges, and other points along the river. The wheel’s height and position make it a powerful visual anchor for the display.
The event is organized by the Mayor of London and attracts large crowds, although viewing arrangements and ticketing have changed over time. Broadcast coverage allows audiences worldwide to see the display even when they are not on the Thames.
London’s historic landmarks can create confusion about the fireworks’ location. Big Ben supplies the famous clock chimes, while the London Eye is the central fireworks structure. Tower Bridge and the Shard may appear in views of the skyline but are not the answer to this specific launch-site question.