Making sparks fly at The London Eye! Planning the World's most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations

London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are world famous! 100,000 people gather on Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment near the Thames to watch the spectacular fireworks display when the clock strikes midnight - and millions more watch at home.

The Coca Cola London Eye was proud to host London’s New Year’s Eve 2018 fireworks, in partnership with the Mayor of London. The most recent display celebrated the city’s relationship with Europe . The fireworks showed the world that London is proud to be a global, European city and sent a message of support to more than one million European Londoners living in the city.

Those lucky enough to get tickets watched the show from along the river bank as it erupted into a stunning display of colour and sound. But just what does it take to plan these amazing celebrations at London’s most iconic structure? London Eye General Manager Sunny Jouhal, takes us behind the scenes to explain what it is really like to put on the world’s best display every 31st December.

London is probably the best city in the world to spend New Year’s Eve in. How has it got this reputation?
London has been the centre of timekeeping for over a century, so when the clock strikes midnight - it’s arguably the centre of the world’s celebrations as we see in the New Year. On top of this, our amazing city - with its diverse culture and nightlife - has the reputation for being one of the global party capitals - where else could you possibly want to be?

Can you describe the atmosphere around the Coca-Cola London Eye on New Year’s Eve?
Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment are buzzing - there’s really nothing else like it. The atmosphere as it builds up to 12 o’clock is just electric, and seeing the fireworks light up the Thames, with the Eye at the very centre is truly one of the most amazing sights - it’s a joy for all watching in the area, and around the world.

When does planning begin for New Year’s Eve?
As soon as 2018 came to a close started planning for the 2019 New Year’s Eve event! For an event of this scale, it never stops and we work very hard along with the Mayor of London’s office to put on a show for all to enjoy.

Who and what is involved with planning an event of this scale?
Hundreds of people are involved in planning every minute detail, from pyrotechnics and music, to security and transport - and everything in between! It takes an incredible amount of work and our team are at work on the ground in the days leading up to the event to ensure it all runs smoothly.