The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a strong warning for all those planning to attend the city’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks event. The world-famous display, set to light up the skies around South Bank and Victoria Embankment, has become a must-see attraction, but as the popularity of the event grows, so do the risks of falling victim to scams.
Tickets sold out, scams on the rise
Tickets for the fireworks event went on sale in October and quickly sold out, leaving many desperate to find alternative ways to attend. This demand has opened the door for scammers. Sadiq Khan emphasized that Ticketmaster is the only authorized platform for ticket resale and urged the public to avoid buying tickets through unverified sources online or offline.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khan said:
“Ticketmaster is the only place to buy resale tickets – watch out for scammers claiming to sell tickets online or offline. If you have tickets, please remember to bring ID.”
Unfortunately, ticket scams have been an ongoing issue, with fake tickets causing problems for attendees in previous years. Last year, many people who purchased counterfeit tickets were denied access, sparking frustration and disappointment.
Police and organizers ready for the crowd
The Metropolitan Police has announced that it will deploy “dedicated resources” in central London to ensure the event runs smoothly. They will work closely with the event organizers, but access will be strictly limited to ticket holders.
Ticketing for the New Year’s Eve display was introduced in 2014 as a measure to control crowds and reduce the strain on transportation and emergency services. Despite these efforts, complaints have persisted about long queues, poor signage, and confusion over viewing areas.
This year, stewarding teams will oversee crowd control, with a highly visible police presence ready to intervene if necessary. Commander Nick John, leading the New Year’s Eve policing operation, has urged the public to plan ahead.
“Please plan your evening ahead of time, including your journey home,” Commander John said. “Where possible, we encourage people to attend organized events.”
Risks of illegal entry
One of the growing concerns in recent years has been individuals attempting to force their way into ticketed areas without proper authorization. Commander John warned that such actions could lead to arrests and prosecutions.
“Regrettably, we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone’s safety at risk,” he explained.
Police are prepared to handle such situations to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Plan your evening wisely
For those planning to celebrate in London, the advice is clear:
Only purchase tickets through official channels like Ticketmaster.
If you already have a ticket, bring your ID for verification.
Plan your journey in advance, including how you’ll return home after the event.
Be prepared for heightened security measures and follow instructions from stewards and police officers.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks are one of London’s most iconic events, attracting visitors from around the world. However, it’s important to prioritize safety and vigilance to ensure the evening is memorable for all the right reasons.
Stay safe, and have a wonderful New Year’s Eve in London!
Created by:
“Korça Boom”
