London's New Year's Eve fireworks EURO 2020 theme
31 December 2019, 07:35
London's historic New Year's Eve fireworks will celebrate the city hosting seven games of the EURO 2020 Championship with a soundtrack inspired by London and the EU.
More than 100,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the River Thames as London blasts into 2020 with more than 12,000 fireworks and 2,000 lighting cues choreographed to music, inspired by London and Europe.
Big Ben's chimes will sound the start of the display despite them being silent this year while renovation work is completed.
The music will also feature some well-known footballing anthems this year as London looks forward to hosting the UEFA EURO 2020 Championships.
In a break from tradition, next summer’s tournament will take place across the continent, with 12 different European cities hosting matches. London has secured the most fixtures of any city, with Wembley Stadium hosting seven games including both semi-finals and the final.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the display would be celebrating the city's "key" role in hosting the championship.
He added: "I am so excited that we are hosting seven games at next summer's championship.
"Once again, we will show that London is open to the world as we welcome sports fans and football stars from all over Europe."
Tickets have sold out and Londoners are advised that anyone without a ticket will not be able to enter the viewing area.
A spokesperson for the Mayor advised revellers not to bring backpacks or suitcases with them, as they are not allowed in.
Travel on Transport for London (TfL) services will be free between 11.45pm on New Year's Eve and 4.30am on New Year's Day.
Revellers have been warned by the Local Government Association to avoid "cheap and dangerous" fake alcohol being sold by rogue traders ahead of the New Year celebrations.
Their warning follows multiple council seizures of counterfeit vodka from shops and storage facilities, the organisation added.
"Some counterfeit bottles of vodka are said to contain industrial strength levels of alcohol which can lead to vomiting, permanent blindness, kidney or liver problems and, in extreme cases, death," they said in a statement.
