Watching the event

Where can I go to watch the fireworks?

A. There are viewing areas on both the north and south banks of the river between Waterloo and Lambeth bridges, with a partially restricted view along the Embankment as far as Blackfriars Bridge. If viewing areas are full, you can also watch the display live on huge screens in Trafalgar Square.

If you are not in a viewing area by 10pm you won’t be able to see the fireworks.

If big crowds and a long wait outside isn’t your thing, consider watching the display wherever you can see the EDF Energy London Eye or live on BBC1 in your living room!

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What time should I arrive for the fireworks?

A. Aim to arrive by 9:30pm at the very latest. As viewing areas fill up, access will be restricted by stewards and police. Visitors are then redirected via marked walking routes to other viewing areas and you should allow extra time to reach these areas.

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Do I need to buy a ticket to view the fireworks?

A. No, the event is free and no tickets are required.

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Can I watch the fireworks on TV?

A. Yes. The event will be broadcast live on BBC1 from approximately 11:50pm. BBC1 is a national free to air channel and available in all London hotel rooms. Many bars and pubs in central London also show the Big Ben chimes and fireworks live on TV.

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Is the event suitable for children?

A. Yes – but we recommend a responsible adult should accompany all children and young people under the age of 16. The event will be extremely crowded and busy and if your children are in a pram or pushchair you should not bring them to the event.

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Can I bring my own fireworks to the event?

A.  No. We don’t allow any type of fireworks in the viewing areas, including sparklers. Please do not bring them to the event or into central London on New Year's Eve.

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Can I bring alcohol to the event?

A. Yes, but please drink responsibly and bring any alcohol in plastic bottles or cans rather than glass. Please help to keep London tidy by taking your used drinks containers home with you.

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Getting around

When do roads close?

A. Vehicle access will be restricted from 5pm until around 6am. The area of closure runs from Oxford Street in the north to Lambeth Bridge in the south, Blackfriars Bridge in the east to Vauxhall Bridge Road in the west. Road closures will be phased in from 5-10pm.  Please see map of road closures.

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Will the bridges be open?

A. Westminster Bridge will close to traffic from 5pm, and Waterloo, Blackfriars and Lambeth Bridges from 8pm, to allow for event preparation.

Westminster Bridge is a fireworks viewing area and can only be accessed via the south from 8pm until 1am, with no through pedestrian access. No viewing is permitted from the Jubilee (Hungerford) footbridges, which close from 8pm-1am.

If you are on foot and need to cross the river use Waterloo, Blackfriars or Lambeth Bridges. The Millennium Footbridge will close from 11pm-12:10am.

Vauxhall Bridge (west) and Southwark / London Bridge (east) offer the closest river crossing to the viewing areas. Other bridges will not be affected.

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I'm in a wheelchair, what's the best way to see the fireworks?

A. The accessible viewing area is Albert Embankment – opposite the Houses of Parliament – Thames Path behind St Thomas’s Hospital. Be aware road closures in the area may restrict vehicle access for drop off nearby, please see information on ‘when do roads close’ as to which roads will be closed in the area.

Disabled toilet facilities
Disabled facilities are available at all toilet locations as well as designated viewing areas listed above. Trafalgar Square toilets will also be open until 1am.

Westminster Station, the closest level access / no step access station to the viewing areas, will close from 9pm-2am to prevent overcrowding. To find out more, visit:

• www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/1169.aspx
• www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/disabled_passengers

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Staying safe

What if I need first aid assistance?

A. If you require first aid, St John Ambulance London treatment centres will be at:

• Trafalgar Square (west side)
• Charing Cross Station
• Parliament Square /Great George Street
• Belvedere Road / Westminster Bridge Road
• Horse Guards Parade Ground (north side)
• Whitehall Court
• Embankment Place
• Temple Place / Surrey Street
• BFI IMAX Cinema
• Savoy Place / Embankment

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What if I see something suspicious?

A. If you see anything suspicious, contact an event steward, police officer or member of Transport for London staff. Please keep your belongings with you at all times.

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Where are the toilets?

A. Temporary toilets are situated at the following areas:

• Westminster Bridge
• Westminster Bridge Road outside St Thomas' Hospital
• Queens Walk outside Royal Festival Hall
• Belvedere Road underneath Jubilee Bridge
• Horse Guards Avenue at the junction with the Mall

In addition there are public toilets on Trafalgar Square.

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Other questions

What other entertainment is available on New Year's Eve?

A. As well as the fireworks, London's theatres, restaurants, hotels and clubs will host a range of events. A ticket only policy usually operates on New Year's Eve, so plan ahead.

Find out more at: www.visitlondon.com

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Are there any events on New Year's Day?

A. Yes. The 27th annual London New Year's Day Parade leaves Piccadilly at 11:45am and travels to Parliament Square. See www.londonparade.co.uk for more information.

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Who is organising the New Year’s Eve Fireworks event?

A. See our partners page for details.    

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What's the procedure for media accreditation?

A. News crews, photographers and other media wishing to cover the New Year's Eve fireworks display and to be accredited for press pens should email: culture&community@london.gov.uk

Broadcasters with OB requirements, or wishing to bring a vehicle, should email: culture&community@london.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Recognised press cards will be required. Press passes for accredited media will be available to collect on 31 December, time and location to be confirmed.

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