Londoners have been treated to a spectacular fireworks show to ring in the New Year as celebrations continue across the world and at home to welcome us into 2025.
Most of the UK had been warned of a looming triple weather threat of heavy rain, strong winds and snow, and potential travel chaos up and down the country, but London was fortunately spared.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s office confirmed that there would be no changes to the fireworks display in the capital after concerns were raised over the event cancellations.
Follow our live blog below for all the latest updates from celebrations in the UK and across the globe:
And with that, it’s time to bid farewell to 2024 one final time as we wrap up our live coverage of today’s New Year’s Eve proceedings.
From Australia to Amsterdam we’ve had you covered with fireworks and parties galore, feel free to scroll back through to pick out your highlights.
For now, all that’s left for me to do is wish you all the very best for 2025 – may it be a year that brings every Mirror reader nothing but good fortune and glad tidings.
We’ll see you back here tomorrow for the latest news and views as fast as you can read them.
Truly a New Year’s Eve to remember for everyone lucky (or brave) enough to take on the elements and brave the Embankment/central London tonight.
Were you there or elsewhere? Let us know by sending your stories to webnews@mirror.co.uk.
It’s safe to say Sadiq Khan was happy with that one!
Fresh from the news that he’s to be knighted in the New Year Honours List, the Mayor of London evidently enjoyed tonight’s fireworks display above the capital too:
Greatest city in the world.
Greatest fireworks in the world.
Happy New Year, London! #HappyNewYear#NewYearpic.twitter.com/fQlMBWXgpK
A few more stunning photos here of the jubilation in central London as we bid a fond farewell to 2024.
The fireworks are still going over the Thames with a truly spectacular array of gold, red, blue and purple.
Things Can Only Get Better is ringing out across London as the London Eye is lit up in hearts, Union Jacks and messages of hope and unity.
There then follows a tribute to the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
That’s it folks, the clock has officially struck midnight, the London Eye is ablaze with fireworks and Auld Lang Syne is ringing out from parties across the country.
However 2024 treated you, everyone here at the Mirror wishes you nothing but the best in 2025 – let’s all make it one to remember.
The scene is set on the banks of the River Thames for what will no doubt be a night to remember for everyone there to witness it….
Right then, with less than half an hour to go Jools Holland is on the TV and we’re all awaiting the sight of those incredible fireworks bursting into life over the London Eye.
Or are we? How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve tonight?
Maybe you’re having a rave in Reigate, getting down on a Durham dancefloor or even lounging on a beach in the Caribbean knowing you’ve got a few more hours of 2024 left to enjoy.
Whatever your situation, your friends at the Mirror want to hear from you. Email webnews@mirror.co.uk to share your incredible New Years’ stories.
It’s officially struck midnight across western Europe which means our friends on the continent have been celebrating before our time comes.
In Berlin, a stunning fireworks display lit up the skies above the Brandenburg Gate.
Meanwhile, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris was emblazoned with the words “Paris” and “2025” as our French counterparts got in on the action.
And in Amsterdam an electro themed display in Museum Square wowed crowds out to mark the end of 2024 in style.
Brave Scots have been out on the streets of Edinburgh in droves despite the city cancelling its formal Hogmanay celebrations yesterday over concerns of high winds and rain.
Thousands usually flock to the Scottish capital for the event, but organisers confirmed yesterday lunchtime they had taken the tough decision to cancel this year’s event in the interest of public safety.
Revellers have been seen gathering on London’s Embankment ahead of tonight’s fireworks display.
Earlier tonight, London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed the event would go ahead despite inclement weather shutting down countless New Year’s events up and down the country.
Several parts of the UK face the triple threat of snow, strong winds, and heavy rain. High-profile outdoor celebrations, including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, have even been cancelled.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m really excited about the London New Year’s Eve fireworks, the biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe. Hundreds of thousands of fireworks, great light display but also a great soundtrack tonight as well.”
Keir Starmer has said 2025 will be a year for the nation to come together to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two.
The PM said the anniversaries of both Victory in Europe (VE) in May and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in August will offer a moment to “do that generation proud”.
He told The Mirror: “2025 will be a year to celebrate our country’s history. A chance to come together to commemorate sacrifices made 80 years ago, for our way of life today. At the core of that sacrifice was ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It was extraordinary bravery that shaped our future, and secured our freedom.
“Mirror readers can know, my government will honour that sacrifice by putting the hard working people of this country at the heart of everything we do.”
Last week a poll for The Mirror found almost three quarters – 73% – of the public would back an extra bank holiday to mark the occasions. Downing Street has previously said there are no plans for an additional bank holiday but insisted £10million has been set aside for commemorative events.
Keir Starmer says nation can ‘come together’ in 2025 to mark 80 years since end of WW2
South Korea’s celebrations were marked with an eerie silence this evening while the country is still reeling from the plane crash that killed nearly 200 people on Sunday.
On Sunday, 179 people were killed when their Jeju Air aircraft exploded into a fireball as it came into land at Muan International Airport. It was 2024’s worst aviation tragedy as only two of those on board managed to survive the inferno. Families have been torn apart and officials are being probed over how such a deadly accident happened.
Seoul is silent. There are no cheers to celebrate the coming of a new year. It is solemn. The bosingak bell rings into the darkness, in remembrance, to mourn the victims who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash and to wish their souls find ease pic.twitter.com/kp2mJdFmx6
The clock has struck 12 in countries across eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
A huge list of countries, including Greece, Ukraine, South Africa, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Israel, and Lebanon are all kicking off their festivities.
Ukrainians are facing their third year at war, while Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza continues.
Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland have also welcomed 2025.
Gamers all over the world will be welcoming the new year from the comfort of their own homes.
Many have chosen virtual fireworks over in-person celebrations, with some choosing to play games like World of Warcraft into the wee hours.
Cassie, who will be playing the game tonight, told the BBC: “It’s a good way to start the year, because as much as people use games to escape, it’s also a connection to other people.”
In previous years, she’s done the same with Elder Scrolls Online and Animal Crossing. Many of the games feature new year’s decorations and fireworks.
Russia’s president used a three-minute address to reassure Russians as they face economic woes due to the war in Ukraine.
He told Russians the country would confidently stride into 2025, but didn’t provide any further details about how the war would play out.
Many ordinary Russians are concerned over rising prices and a 21 per cent interest hike, which is affecting businesses and homebuyers.
Again, Putin framed the concerns in the context of Russia’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.
He said: “And now, on the threshold of the new year, we are thinking about the future. We are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward. We know for sure that the absolute value for us was, is and will be the fate of Russia, the well-being of its citizens.”
It’s New Year’s Eve in London – and our show is going to be amazing! #NewYearsEvepic.twitter.com/4YxJf6Px0L
A 14-year-old boy has died after being “seriously injured” by fireworks on New Year’s Eve, police have confirmed.
The tragic December 31st incident took place in Rotterdam, with the Dutch city’s official police account confirming the sad news on their X account.
Their post read: “A 14-year-old boy from Rotterdam died around 20:30 after being seriously injured by fireworks on the #Watergeusstraat in #Rotterdam . Unfortunately, resuscitation was no longer possible. We wish his family much strength. The police are investigating.”
Fireworks tragedy as boy, 14, killed by explosive on New Year’s Eve
The new year has now reached some of the most remote places in the world, including the island of Madagascar, where people watched dancing, music and lantern displays to celebrate.
Ethiopia, Syria, Belarus and more of Russia, including its capital, Moscow, have also welcomed in 2025. Japan’s Antarctic research station on East Ongul Island in Queen Maud Land has also just passed midnight.
Using an incredible 15,600 pyrotechnic elements, Dubai has put on a massive fireworks display at the world’s tallest building.
Soaring water jets were also synchronised with the show at the Burj Khalifa. Dubai brought in the New Year at 8pm, as did other Emirate countries.
The Northern Lights are set to make an appearance this New Year’s Eve – giving some Brits the chance of bringing the New Year in with a magical aerial display.
People in Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England may be able to catch a glimpse of the awesome spectacle, according to the UK’s Met Office.
However, whether you’re able to see them or not will largely depend on tonight’s weather, which has threatened to scupper countless New Year’s events across the UK. If the skies stay cloud-free, you may be in luck as these are the best conditions to take in the display – which is caused by solar flares colliding with the earth’s magnetic field.
Northern Lights to shine across UK on New Year’s Eve – where best to spot them
Millions of people’s New Year’s Eve celebrations could be over before they even begin as snow and rain are set to reduce plans to rubble.
The Met Office has warned of heavy rain, winds and even snow in some places across the UK. Several places, including Edinburgh, have already cancelled their long awaited celebrations, as well as displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight and Ripon, North Yorkshire.
London’s City Hall has announced it is “monitoring the weather ” closely regarding the capital’s upcoming celebrations. Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page said: “Following a complex weather pattern featuring a series of low-pressure systems bringing strong winds, rain and even some snow, the forecast for the next few days has a much colder outlook.
Storms threaten New Year’s Eve parties across UK after grim Met Office update
London’s first New Year’s Eve fireworks was held in 1999 and has become so popular that it’s shown all over the world.
The display was part of the celebrations for the millenium. In 2000, the fireworks were cancelled due to safety fears, and it didn’t start again until 2004.
As the clock strikes 5pm in London, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam all welcome in the New Year.
Thousands gathered as all three countries put on stunning fireworks displays.
On the Indonesian island of Bali, dancers performed a ceremony in which they welcomed in the sun of 2025 while saying goodbye to the sun of 2024.
Prayers were held in Thailand during a merit-making ceremony – a Buddhist ritual thought to bring in blessings for the incoming year.
Prince William and wife Kate have shared a number of sweet photos as they wish they nation a happy new year, after a particularly difficult 2024 for the family.
The couple’s official X page posted a number of happy photos from the last twelve months, including of the family laughing together in a field, and another on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the King. This year has been incredibly difficult for the family, after Kate was diagnosed with cancer in March.
Poignantly, one of the photos was from her first engagement back after treatment when she joined William to meet some of the survivors of the horrific Southport stabbings. Another image was taken at Kate’s beloved Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey earlier this month.
Kate and William share touching family photos with ‘wonderful’ New Year message
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