Thousands of people were tricked into attending a non-existent New Year’s Eve fireworks for the second year in a row. Crowds gathered in Birmingham‘s Centenary Square last night after fake adverts were posted online promising “the biggest New Year’s party in the city”, only for attendees to be left disappointed at midnight when nothing happened.
Police had warned earlier in the week about the prospect of fake events being advertised, a warning evidently missed by hundreds. AI-generated articles and images are believed to be responsible for the fiasco.
One such advert said: “If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Birmingham, don’t miss the celebrations on Centenary Square which is by far the biggest NYE party in the city.
“At the event, you’ll find street food vendors, an ice rink and bars to help you celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025.”
The scene replicated a similar incident a year previously, when police were forced to enter the square to inform revellers that there was no official fireworks display after disgruntled crowds waited for hours for the hoax display.
Birmingham has not held an official fireworks display since 2014.
West Midlands Police had warned residents that there were no official events planned in the city centre for yesterday – and said “misinformation” spread online risked hampering emergency services on one of their busiest nights of the year.
A statement released earlier this week said: “There are no official firework displays or city-organised events happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year ’s Eve.
“Every year, rumours start to spread online about big celebrations in the city. Unfortunately, these false claims often lead to confusion and disappointment.
“Last year, for example, we were made aware of posts that circulated about a spectacular show in Centenary Square. Many people believed it, travelled into the city centre, and were left frustrated when nothing happened.
“Every year, rumours start to spread online about big celebrations in the city. Unfortunately, these false claims often lead to confusion and disappointment.
“Last year, for example, we were made aware of posts that circulated about a spectacular show in Centenary Square. Many people believed it, travelled into the city centre, and were left frustrated when nothing happened.