Thousands flock to the iconic River Thames crossing each year in the hopes of getting a free glimpse of the show
The event is attended by around 100,000 people each year(Image: Greater London Authority)
Revellers looking for a free glimpse of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are being told to stay away from Tower Bridge to avoid disappointment and terrible views. Thousands flock to the iconic Thames crossing each year only to find the show hidden behind a river bend and tall buildings.
The same is true of London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, the City Bridge Foundation, which supports and maintains five of London’s bridges, has warned. Paul Martinelli, the charity’s char, said: “We still expect to see significant crowding on the bridges, which can present a danger to all bridge users, including pedestrians and drivers who will also be using the bridges.
“We want everyone to have a happy New Year’s Eve, but if you’re after fireworks, you’ll get a much better view watching the BBC’s coverage at home or in one of London’s numerous bars and restaurants.”
The fireworks show has become a highlight of London’s calendar (Image: Rob Pinney/Getty Images)
The Millennium Bridge will be closed to the public from 7pm on December 31, and Blackfriars Bridge is off limits to non-ticket holders. All bridges in Central London may close at short notice for public safety reasons.
Commander Umer Khan, from City of London Police, added: “These bridges are outside the event perimeter and will remain open to traffic. In the interest of public safety, we’re urging people not to stop on the bridges on New Year’s Eve if they’re expecting to see the fireworks display.”
The closure warning follows news popular lookout spots Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park will also close amid concerns over public safety. Official viewing areas can only be found along Victoria Embankment, Waterloo and Westminster bridges and parts of the South Bank.
A final batch of tickets was released in late-November and the event is now sold out. Getting in has proven difficult in recent years, with touts hiking up resell prices to over £250.
City Hall previously issued a scam alert urging eventgoers not to buy tickets from sites other than official partner Ticketmaster. Those who do risk being turned away on the night.
You can watch the London New Year’s Eve fireworks display on BBC One from midnight to 12.15am.
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