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New Year’s Eve in Trafalgar Square 2021: How to get tickets for the London fireworks replacement

No show: London’s sky won’t be lit up in 2021 as they were in previous years  (Getty Images)
No show: London’s sky won’t be lit up in 2021 as they were in previous years (Getty Images)

Whether you’re one of the hardy souls who line the Thames to watch the display, or if you join the countdown on the telly at home, the fireworks that usually light up the night sky over London on New Year’s Eve have become a beloved tradition.

This year, though, they sadly won’t be happening (thanks, pandemic). To make up for the disappointment, though, the Mayor of London has announced plans for a replacement celebration slap bang in the centre of the capital.

Here’s what we know so far.

Why aren’t the New Year’s Eve fireworks happening in London for 2021?

According to the Mayor’s office, it takes a year to plan an event on the scale of London’s NYE fireworks — a feat which, with the hindrance of lockdowns and uncertainty over mass gatherings, wasn’t achievable in 2021. The display also “requires committing millions of pounds in the first quarter of the year”, organisers said, adding that they were unwilling to risk tax-payers’ money at “a time of major financial pressures”.

What’s happening in Trafalgar Square for New Year’s Eve instead?

For the first time ever, Trafalgar Square will host a ticketed New Year’s Celebration, in lieu of the traditional event on the Thames. A full programme of events is still yet to be unveiled, but organisers have promised live music and “some of London’s best stage performers”, as well as food stalls.

A big screen will also show a broadcast “celebrating our city and highlighting the most defining moments of 2021”, which will also be beamed out live to viewers at home on BBC One and iPlayer.

More will be announced in the coming weeks.

How can I get tickets for the Trafalgar Square event?

Tickets will be handed out via an online ballot. When exactly that’s set to happen hasn’t been confirmed, but you can sign up here to be the first to know.