Assembly wants public warned about fake fireworks tickets

In 2023, there was an increase in fake ticket selling for London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks event. 

A GLA Oversight Committee investigation has highlighted how the associated websites claiming to be the official ticket provider were very convincing and posed a real risk of harm to visitors for the event.

Today the Committee has published a letter to the Mayor, calling for a proactive media and social media campaign in December 2024 to warn the public (including international tourists) about the risk of fake ticket selling websites and touts for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

The Committee’s recommendations include:

• The Greater London Authority (GLA) should implement a short, proactive media and social media campaign in December 2024 to warn the public (including international tourists) about the risk of fake ticket selling websites and touts for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks. It should provide the Committee with figures of how many fake ticketing sites were discovered and reported to Action Fraud.
• The Committee heard how the carbon footprint of the event stems more from the logistical set up, transportation and delivery than the fireworks themselves. As part of its evaluation of the event, the GLA should review and measure the sustainability of the event, to continually ensure the most sustainable means of sourcing and transport are used.

Chairman of the GLA Oversight Committee, Emma Best AM, said:

“People travel from all over the world to watch London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks. It is an incredibly popular event, with consistently high in-person attendance and very impressive broadcast figures. With this positive record in mind, we have highlighted specific issues, which we consider are important to address to ensure its ongoing success and sustainability. 

“Last year, fake tickets led to crowding at barriers and delays for legitimate ticket holders, when people discovered that their tickets were not genuine and wouldn’t allow them access. If someone has travelled from another city or country, this would completely ruin their New Year’s Eve celebrations! These fake tickets must be stamped out – and people should be warned to not be fooled.

“The other concern is the carbon footprint of the event, and we have made suggestions for reviewing how both fireworks and people reach the event, to ensure it is as sustainable as possible.

“The Committee is proud of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks event and hopes it can showcase the sights and sounds of London across the globe, for many years to come.”