London’s New Years Eve firework display cancelled due to Covid concerns

London’s annual New Year’s Eve firework display is cancelled for the second year in a row due to uncertainties around Covid.

Organisers have said they feared the even could be cancelled at a later date if Covid cases increase in the winter, so have taken the decision to cancel it now to avoid any disappointment for visitors.

The display, held around London’s Victoria embankment, usually attracts around 100,000 people and is watched by millions on TV on New Year’s Eve.

A spokesman for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This year, as always, London will be welcoming the new year in a spectacular way.

“Due to the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, our world-famous New Year’s Eve display will not be held on the banks of the Thames this year.

“Last year’s successful show took place in a slightly different way due to the pandemic, and this year a number of exciting new options are being considered as part of our New Year’s Eve celebrations in London.

“Further details of this year’s celebration will be announced in due course.”

Last year the display was cancelled in September, followed by the UK being in lockdown in December.