Which song traditionally plays at midnight during London's New Year's Eve fireworks?

Auld Lang Syne traditionally plays at midnight during London's New Year's Eve fireworks.

London's central celebration takes place around the River Thames, with fireworks launched from and near the London Eye and other riverside positions. At midnight, the display is accompanied by Auld Lang Syne, a traditional song associated internationally with farewells and the start of a new year.

The song's words are based on a Scots poem published by Robert Burns in 1788, although the melody commonly used today developed through later musical tradition. Its Scots title means roughly “old long since,” referring to remembered times and lasting friendship.

London's event is often confused with the New Year's Day parade held in the city center. The parade occurs on January 1, while the fireworks and midnight song belong to the New Year's Eve celebration along the Thames.