A huge show of fireworks lit up Big Ben in spite of storm warnings that forced many displays to be axed today, with many fans left stunned by a ‘world-first’ Paddington Bear cameo appearance within the London Eye.
The beloved bear’s appearance at London‘s New Year fireworks thrilled fans but left many wondering about how it all worked and what the cost was.
This year millions watching at home on the BBC were treated to a world-first use of hologauze animations to celebrate the new year.
These created holographic illusions of British icons and memorable events as the fireworks were taking place.
The special animations included the London Eye being filled with the Union flag in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, Olympic medals to celebrate the success of Team GB at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and wishing a happy upcoming 25th birthday to the London Eye.
It also featured the world-first special appearance from Paddington Bear.
Hologauze is a specialised projection screen designed to create holographic effects.
It’s a patented gauze that is coated with a highly reflective silver metallic layer.
A huge show of fireworks lit up Big Ben in spite of storm warnings that forced many displays to be axed today, with many fans left stunned by a ‘world-first’ Paddington Bear cameo
It also featured the world-first special appearance from Paddington Bear
Fireworks light up the sky around the London Eye to celebrate the New Year in London
The unique design allows the gauze to effectively reflect projected images or animations while simultaneously allowing the visibility of objects located behind it.
‘No matter what happens, London will always be a city of hope and a home for everyone,’ Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw, said in a special appearance during the fireworks display.
Taking to X, one person said: ‘Just takes seeing Paddington for three seconds and I burst into tears’.
‘The chokehold Paddington has on this country is hilarious to me,’ another added.
A third posted: ‘You can always rely on Paddington to start the year with hope and sincerity.’
But some were confused as to the mechanics behind the display.
One said: ‘Trying to figure out how they’re projecting stuff into the empty space in the middle of the London Eye.’
It also featured a reference to Charli XCX’s viral ‘brat summer’ which captured millions of young people on social media in 2024.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘It’s fantastic to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year’s Eve celebrations. Around 100,000 Londoners and visitors joined together on the banks of the Thames for an unforgettable night of fireworks, lighting and music, while millions at home were able to see our world-first use of hologram animations to celebrate the new year.
Some were confused as to the mechanics behind the display
Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye
London Eye in central London during the New Year celebration
‘From honouring the heroes of the D-Day landings to Paddington Bear celebrating our capital’s diversity, I’m proud that we sent a message of hope and love to the world, as we build a better London for everyone.’
The fireworks culminated in a golden extravaganza of sparkles illuminating the sky above London, with Paddington signing off the show by saying: ‘As you enter the new year, always remember […]: In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in. Happy New Year.’
Thousands stood along the Embankment of the Thames to watch a spectacular fireworks display around the London Eye.
The annual showstopper saw around 100,000 ticketholders unite on the banks of the River Thames to witness the capital’s biggest-ever celebration of fireworks, lighting and music, with many millions watching from homes around the globe.
More than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights lit up the sky around the London Eye as the eyes of the world watched London’s unforgettable show, set to a soundtrack of songs for people to dance the cold away and voice-over clips.
The iconic celebration, which began with Big Ben’s renowned chimes, is shown live to many millions around the world and tens of millions more on social media, boosting London’s economy and providing an incredible global advert for our tourism industry.
LONDON: Fireworks explode in the sky around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock’s bell, ‘Big Ben’, at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, at midnight
LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky over Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, and the London Eye in central London during the New Year celebrations
LONDON: Fireworks explode in the sky around the London Eye and The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock’s bell, ‘Big Ben’, at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in central London, just after midnight on January 1, 2025
Last year, the BBC’s coverage was the most watched TV programme in the UK, with many millions more watching on the iPlayer and online.
Mayor Sadiq Khan promised that the fireworks would be the ‘best we’ve ever laid on’, adding that they were the ‘biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe’.
Robin Goodchild, Senior General Manager of the London Eye, said: ‘What an incredible moment to bring in the new year and begin celebrating 25 years of the world’s most iconic ride!
‘We are delighted and honoured to have been the official partner this year, and once again be the iconic location to host The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. For all those who joined us here onsite, and the millions who watched on TV at home with their friends and family both in the UK and globally, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.’
Hannah Clark, Project Director at Identity, said: ‘Identity is so proud to once again be working in close collaboration with the GLA, and leading names across music production, lighting, and pyrotechnic design, to create this dazzling spectacle for London.
‘The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve firework celebrations have become an iconic and globally recognised event, reflecting our unique and wonderfully vibrant city. It’s a unique showcase that puts London firmly on the map for the year ahead.’
