Big Ben is the London landmark used as the official time signal for the city’s New Year’s Eve countdown.
Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. In everyday usage, the name is also commonly applied to the tower and its clock. The bell’s chimes are broadcast by the BBC and provide the audible midnight signal for national celebrations.
London’s New Year’s Eve television coverage combines the chimes with fireworks around the London Eye and the River Thames. The clock’s midnight strokes mark the start of the new year in the United Kingdom’s local time, while fireworks and music create the visual spectacle.
The bell was cast in 1858, and the tower clock began operating in 1859. Big Ben has sometimes been silent during maintenance or restoration, so broadcasts may use recorded or alternative time signals when the famous chimes are unavailable.