MD1387 New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2014 - 2016

The New Year’s Eve Fireworks provide a fantastic showcase of London nationally and internationally; in 2013 the fireworks were viewed by 13.7 million on BBC television. However attendance at the event has grown to an unsustainable level. In 2013 circa 500,000 people came to central London, a 25% increase on 2012, and as a result of this the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) were only able to maintain public order through emergency cordons and unplanned closures.

Various agencies have advised the GLA that the event format needs to be reconsidered in order to prevent the issues faced by the MPS and other emergency services in 2013. Other than cancelling the event, introducing paid-for- ticketing has been identified by the GLA and partner agencies as the only viable option to ensure the future and safe delivery of this event.