Revellers looking for a free glimpse of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are being urged to stay away from Tower Bridge and nearby bridges to avoid disappointment and “terrible” views of the show.
Every year, thousands of people flock to Tower Bridge and its neighbouring bridges hoping to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks, only to realise the firework display is hidden around a curve in the river and behind tall buildings.
City Bridge Foundation, the charity which supports and maintains five of London’s bridges, has warned that the firework display can barely be glimpsed from Tower Bridge, London Bridge and Southwark Bridge.
Meanwhile, Millennium Bridge will be closed to the public from 7pm onwards, and Blackfriars Bridge is off limits to non-ticket holders. All bridges in central London may close at short notice for public safety reasons.
Paul Martinelli, City Bridge Foundation Chair, said: “Tower Bridge and our four other bridges usually offer stunning views of London, but if you’re hoping to enjoy the New Year’s Eve firework display you’ll be very disappointed.
“Tower Bridge, London Bridge and Southwark Bridge provide a terrible view of the fireworks. The Millennium Bridge will be closed, and Blackfriars Bridge will be off limits to non-ticket holders.
“We still expect to see significant crowding on the bridges, which can present a danger to all bridge users, including pedestrians and drivers who will also be using the bridges.
“We want everyone to have a happy New Year’s Eve, but if you’re after fireworks, you’ll get a much better view watching the BBC’s coverage at home or in one of London’s numerous bars and restaurants.”
The New Year’s Eve fireworks display is a ticketed event run by the Mayor of London’s office, with dedicated viewing areas along Victoria Embankment, Waterloo and Westminster bridges and parts of the South Bank.
Those without a ticket are encouraged to join millions of viewers in watching the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer, or to celebrate the New Year in the capital’s bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
Commander Umer Khan OBE, from City of London Police, said:
“The City of London is a vibrant, exciting place to be in London, offering an amazing array of bars, pubs and restaurants. This New Year’s Eve, we’re fully prepared to welcome visitors to the City, while working with our partners to prevent, detect and act on any criminality, and to support the public’s safety.
“The fireworks near the London Eye are a magnificent way of seeing in the new year, but anyone expecting to see them from Tower Bridge, London Bridge or Southwark Bridge will be very disappointed, as the display is largely invisible.
“These bridges are outside the event perimeter and will remain open to traffic. In the interest of public safety, we’re urging people not to stop on the bridges on New Year’s Eve if they’re expecting to see the fireworks display.”
