The London fireworks are an iconic British symbol of celebrating New Year’s Eve, and millions will watch them light up the sky tonight.
Broadcast around the world, the display lasts around 15 minutes and comprises of 12,000 fireworks 2,000 of which will be set off from the London Eye.
It’s the largest annual fireworks display in Europe, and an impressive spectacle whether you are watching it in person, or on TV.
Ahead of what is sure to be another dazzling display this evening, here’s everything you need to know about how much the fireworks cost, and how they are financed:
How much do the London fireworks cost?
The budget for the annual London New Year’s Eve fireworks is decided by the mayor, Sadiq Khan .
Last year, £2.3 million was allocated for the display, and an additional £800,000 was raised through ticket sales.
The final cost for the 2019 fireworks will not be revealed until January – but the budget is likely to be similar to the past couple of years.
Tickets were first introduced to the London fireworks in 2014 after overcrowding prompted safety and security concerns. Since then, the entry price has remained at £10.
It’s estimated that ticketholders spend over £10 million in London hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions.
Is there a theme for the London New Year’s Eve fireworks?
For the past couple of years, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has chosen a theme for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
In 2018 the display promoted inclusivity with a ‘London is Open’ theme, and in 2017 they celebrated women’s equality with ‘Behind Every Great City’.
How many people watch the London fireworks?
Last year an estimated 100,000 people gathered on the banks of the river Thames to watch the fireworks.
An additional 11 million people in the UK watched on television.