Which river is the setting for London's official New Year's Eve fireworks?

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London's official New Year's Eve fireworks are staged along the River Thames.

The display is centered near the London Eye and the South Bank, with fireworks launched from barges on the river and from nearby landmarks. The spectacle is coordinated with the midnight chimes of Big Ben, although the clock tower is formally called the Elizabeth Tower.

London's large public fireworks event began in its modern form in 2000, when celebrations marked the start of the new millennium. The current display attracts large crowds and is also broadcast internationally.

The River Thames is central to the event because it provides open space for launch platforms while offering sightlines from bridges and waterfront areas. The celebration should not be confused with New Year's Day's London Parade, which is a separate daytime event on January 1.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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