London's famous skyline was illuminated to welcome 2024, showcasing the capital's renowned fireworks, lights, and drone show as a spectacular celebration and message of unity to the world.
Organized by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the event marked the capital's largest-ever display, allowing ticket holders to experience fireworks, lights, and drones together around the lastminute.com London Eye. Over 12,000 fireworks, 600 drones, 430 lights, and a diverse soundtrack entertained millions via BBC One and BBC iPlayer, reaffirming London's status as a global capital of tourism and culture.
The illuminations conveyed a message of unity, celebrating London's diversity and promoting mutual respect. The display commemorated key milestones from 2023, including the Coronation of the new monarch, the NHS's 75th anniversary, 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush, and a decade since the legalization of same-sex marriage.
A captivating drone display interacted with the fireworks for the first time, featuring a countdown, a dandelion illustration, and a child blowing bubbles, symbolizing hope and joy, visually popping as fireworks exploded.
The diverse soundtrack included hits from various genres and eras, showcasing global and British pop classics. Messages from figures like Sadiq Khan, Dame Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, George the Poet, and Baroness Floella Benjamin added further significance to the celebration.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to welcome in 2024 with our best and biggest ever celebration. Our unique combination of fireworks, drones, lighting and music have put on a fabulous show for the millions watching around the globe, sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world. 2023 was filled with so many special moments and as we move into 2024 I feel more inspired than ever to continue our work towards building a better, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”
