Tickets for the Mayor of London’s annual fireworks show are days away from being released.
The highly-coveted event sees thousands of Londoners gather along the banks of the Thames to see in the New Year.
Fireworks and lights will illuminate the London skyline, while music blares across the capital in what has been described as “one of the most important moments in our city’s cultural calendar.”
But tickets for the annual occasion sell out fast every year, with many unlucky Londoners relegated to watching from home.
Sir Sadiq Khan is urging Londoners to buy their tickets “as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on experiencing the best New Year’s Eve fireworks show in the world.”
He added in a statement: “Nowhere in the world brings in the new year like London. Every year our unique display of fireworks, lighting and music shows off the very best of London, as around 100,000 Londoners and visitors line the banks of the River Thames and millions watch on around the world.”
So, if you’re planning on attending and are keen to get a ticket, here is everything you need to know:
Everything you need to know about the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display
Thousands of Londoners are expected to attend
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When do tickets for New Year’s Eve fireworks go on sale?
The first batch of tickets will go on sale at midday on October 23.
This is your best chance of securing a ticket as it's when the majority will go on sale. A final and smaller batch of tickets will go on sale nearer the time.
How to get tickets for New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster and only these tickets will be accepted.
There are plenty of falsely advertised tickets online through other vendors and outlets, but only those bought through Ticketmaster will be valid.
The ticket gives you access to the specially designated viewing areas and anyone without a ticket won’t be able to enter.
Reselling is strictly prohibited
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It’s also worth noting that reselling is strictly prohibited - meaning there’s no point heading down on the day and hoping you get lucky.
If you need to resell your tickets, there is an authorised method through the Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale platform.
To get ahead of the rush, punters should make a Ticketmaster account in advance.
How much will tickets cost?
Ticket prices are £20 and £35 for Londoners, depending on the viewing area you select.
For those who live outside the capital, the tickets are slightly dearer at £40 and £55.
The higher rate tickets give you access to Category A viewing areas, which include Waterloo Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and Victoria Embankment, while the lower rate tickets have access to Belvedere Road and Albert Embankment.
There’s a postcode verification process during the booking process which is based on the card used to book.
Lights will illuminate the London skyline
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What does the ticket include?
Those with tickets will have access to one of six different viewing areas - all designated by colour.
You can pick your zone provided there are tickets, but remember, you won’t be able to move between zones so choose wisely.
Which zone should I pick for New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Blue covers Victoria Embankment from Westminster Bridge to Golden Jubilee Footbridge.
Pink provides access to Waterloo Bridge.
White provides access to Westminster Bridge.
Red covers Victoria Embankment from Golden Jubilee Footbridge to Temple Avenue.
Green covers the area behind the London Eye.
Orange (accessible viewing area) covers Albert Embankment, river side of St Thomas’s Hospital.
You’ll be able to access the vantage points from around 8pm on December 31, though official timings have not yet been shared.
Usually, there is a last entry time too.
Can you bring food and drink?
You’ll want to eat before heading to watch the Mayor’s New Year's Eve fireworks.
There are usually some small vendors selling food, but lines can be long and prices can be steep.
You can bring in some alcoholic beverages, but there are strict guidelines on quantities.
In previous years, you have only been allowed to bring in two cans of beer or wine per person and glass bottles have been banned.
Any other tips?
If you think tickets have sold out, don’t panic. Stay on the Ticketmaster page and be patient. Tickets often show up as sold out when they are in people’s baskets but will be re-released when people do not complete their transactions.
According to social media, the Blue Zone is the most highly sought-after. It offers views right over Victoria Embankment.
But real Londoners know that the Embankment is lined with trees, meaning that you could get stuck with a poor view if you don’t plan properly. Either arrive with plenty of time or opt for the White Zone, which offers views right next to Big Ben.
For coming and going to the fireworks, avoid Westminster and Waterloo. Instead, walk from Holborn, Piccadilly Circus or Tottenham Court Road.