Big Ben is the London landmark whose clock chimes are widely heard during the United Kingdom's New Year's countdown.
Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. In everyday speech, however, people often use “Big Ben” for the tower, clock and bell together. The clock's first chime sounded on 11 July 1859, while the tower was completed as part of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster.
At midnight, broadcasters use the clock's chimes as an audible marker for the new year, and fireworks are commonly staged around the River Thames and the London Eye. The bell's distinctive sound has become a national broadcasting symbol.
A frequent mistake is calling the entire tower Big Ben. The tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee; Big Ben remains the bell's nickname. Access and broadcasting arrangements can vary during maintenance.