Thousands of revellers lined the streets of London to watch the capital's dazzling New Year's Day parade as the party atmosphere rolled on into 2026.
More than 8,000 performers took part in the spectacular procession from Piccadilly to Whitehall, treating crowds to marching bands, acrobats and eye-catching floats.
Spectators braved bitterly cold temperatures to watch dancers twirling in daffodil costumes and a cavalcade of Mokes—quirky open-top vehicles—making their way through the West End.
The parade came just hours after 100,000 people packed the banks of the River Thames to watch London's explosive New Year's Eve fireworks light up the sky.
Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the capital's celebrations as the "greatest in the world".
The breathtaking midnight display featured a soundtrack packed with hits from Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, with celebrity voiceovers from Celia Imrie, Andrew Cotter and Alison Hammond celebrating Britain's biggest triumphs of 2025.
England's Women's Rugby World Cup victory, the Lionesses defending their European Championship crown and Europe's Ryder Cup success all got the fireworks treatment, while the smash-hit film Wicked: For Good also earned a special tribute.
Speaking to the Press Association, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said: “We spend a lot of time and effort curating our New Year’s Eve celebrations – the theme of tonight’s celebration is togetherness.
“I think diversity is a strength, not a weakness – it makes us richer, not poorer, stronger, not weaker. I think you can be a proud Londoner but also someone whose country of origin is somewhere across the globe.
“I’m delighted that we have once again shown why London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are the greatest in the world.”
More than 12,000 fireworks and more than 400 lights illuminated the night sky around the London Eye, with hologauze animations complementing the largest annual firework display in Europe on the BBC’s coverage.
Tracy Halliwell, director of tourism at London and Partners, which runs Visit London, said: “It’s always fantastic to see Londoners and visitors from around the world come together and welcome the new year in London.”
