Thousands of Britons tricked into attending fake New Year fireworks display in Birmingham as police issue warning
Thousands of people gathered in Birmingham’s Centenary Square on New Year’s Eve after being duped by social media scammers promoting a non-existent fireworks display.
The crowds had assembled in the city centre expecting a “fireworks spectacular” to welcome 2025, only to discover the event was entirely fabricated.
Birmingham Superintendent Emlyn Richards had earlier issued a warning about the hoax, saying: “There are rumours online that a fireworks display will take place in Centenary Square but there isn’t a planned event this year.
“We don’t want people travelling into the city to be disappointed when they arrive and discover this is the case.”
Images showed would-be spectators wrapped up warm and waiting for a show that would never materialise.
West Midlands Police had to break the underwhelming news to the large crowds that had assembled in anticipation of the non-existent display, after they had earlier addressed rumours of the fictitious event.
Despite the police’s efforts to prevent disappointment, thousands still made their way into Birmingham city centre, having fallen victim to the social media deception.
The superintendent had noted that while there would be “thousands of people travelling into the city to enjoy themselves at venues,” it was a hoax.
“We will be visible on the streets tonight to ensure everything runs smoothly and people have a wonderful evening,” Richards had assured.
In stark contrast to Birmingham’s disappointment, London’s New Year celebrations dazzled with a world-first hologram display featuring Paddington Bear within the London Eye.
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The beloved bear’s appearance thrilled crowds as part of innovative hologauze animations celebrating British icons and memorable events.
The display included the London Eye being filled with the Union flag to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day, along with Olympic medals celebrating Team GB’s success at the Paris Olympics.
“No matter what happens, London will always be a city of hope and a home for everyone,” Paddington said, whose character is voiced by actor Ben Whishaw.
The spectacular show proceeded despite storm warnings that had forced many other cities to cancel their displays.
Hardy Brits ignored gale warnings and torrential downpours to witness the capital’s stunning 12-minute fireworks display around Big Ben, featuring more than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights illuminating the sky around the London Eye.
The show was set to a varied soundtrack including hits from Sabrina Carpenter, Sir Elton John, and Dame Vera Lynn, alongside voice clips from D-Day veterans and celebrities including Sir Ian McKellen.
Paddington concluded the spectacle, saying: “In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in. Happy New Year.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan celebrated the event’s success, saying: “It’s fantastic to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
Severe weather forced multiple UK cities to cancel their New Year celebrations, with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party and fireworks being the most prominent casualty, leaving international tourists disappointed.
Additionally, at least eight fireworks shows were cancelled due to strong winds, including displays in Blackpool and Newcastle.
Weather warnings covered much of the country, with an amber warning for heavy rain across parts of north west England and yellow warnings for wind affecting Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland.
New Year’s Day events were also affected, with multiple charity swims cancelled across Pembrokeshire, Lyme Regis and Southend.