The best displays across the UK

Across the UK, millions will bring in the New Year by flocking to the country’s major cities to watch the annual firework displays.

In London, people will gather in the wintry weather to watch the display over the River Thames, while in the Scottish capital, thousands will witness one of the world’s most picturesque firework displays against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. 

Here’s some of the best cities to watch the lights in the sky on Sunday night.

Edinburgh fireworks display

Edinburgh is internationally renowned as one of the most picturesque cities to bring in the New Year.

Known as the Edinburgh Hogmanay – the Scottish word for the last day of the year – there will be live music, tons of outdoor bars, before the firework display lights up the night sky.

Some of the best locations include Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat where you can watch from afar, while Princes Street and the surrounding areas become a bustling hub for tourists and locals.

Make sure you arrive early, as last entry is at 11pm.

London’s fireworks display

With tickets to watch the fireworks along Southbank already sold out, for those who managed to get a hold of the sought-after tickets for London’s display, the event opens at 8pm, and entry closes at 10.30pm.

To find out where the event entrances are located, and the arrival Tube stations, please see the event entrances map.

If you do not have a ticket, it is still possible to see the display from afar.

Although the fireworks launch from the London Eye, they are fired up to 200 metres in the air – so there are plenty of spots to view the spectacle from across London.

Cannon Street located just beyond the ticketed zone near St Paul’s Cathedral, and the east side of Monument, both offer the chance to see the fireworks without having to pay, but these areas get very busy as they are close to the official viewing venue.

Bridges can also be a good option – Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge all offer views of the fireworks, but again, expect them to be busy.

If you would rather avoid big crowds you might prefer heading to high up spots further out of the city.

You can venture north to Primrose Hill where you will find some of London’s most stunning views of the fireworks, or from Greenwich park, a the Unesco world heritage site. 

Other options include Alexandra Palace, Hilly Fields and Parliament Hill.

Manchester fireworks display

Manchester is set to host its New Year’s Eve firework display for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdowns postponed celebrations.

The event kicks off at Castlefield Bowl from 10pm and will include a live DJ set from Hits Radio DJ Jordan Lee — followed by a huge firework display to bring in the New Year.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council said:

“Coming as it does after the dark days of the last few years, we think the time is now right to show how proud we are of our fantastic city and to celebrate it as we close the door on 2023 and look ahead to 2024 and beyond.