Revellers flocked to Birmingham city centre on New Year’s Eve anticipating a fireworks spectacular that turned out to be entirely fictitious for the second year running.
Crowds braved freezing condition in Centenary Square gathering near the big wheel and ice rink with phones ready to capture what they believed would be a midnight display to welcome 2026.
However, those assembled found themselves leaving disappointed after realising no pyrotechnics would illuminate the sky.
Footage posted to TIkTok captured the scene, showing expectant revellers packed into the area before eventually dispersing in disappointment.
Officers stationed at the square informed attendees that the event simply was not happening, with most people departing once midnight passed without incident.
West Midlands Police had attempted to prevent a repeat of last year’s fiasco, issuing a public warning on Monday stating that no official fireworks or city-organised celebrations were scheduled in the city centre.
However, false claims had spread across social media, most likely based on historic information, as a New Year’s Eve display has not been held in Birmingham’s city centre since 2017.
One advert claimed the event in Birmingham would run from “8pm to 12.30pm”.
Revellers were left disappointed in Birmingham City Centre
|
TIKTOK
On Monday, December 29, a West Midlands Police spokesman said: “There are no official firework displays or city-organised events happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year’s Eve.
“Every year, rumours start to spread online about big celebrations in the city. Unfortunately, these false claims often lead to confusion and disappointment.”
Commenting after New Year’s Eve, a spokesman for the force said: “A few hundred people did gather in Centenary Square, but started to leave when they realised there was no display.
“A small number were encouraged to leave by officers who told them there was no display.”
Revellers had been warned there would be no official celebration in Centenary Square in Birmingham (file pic)
|
PA
One misleading advertisement this year promised a “dazzling” fireworks show.
The advert said there would be “a lively atmosphere featuring music alongside the brilliant show as the city welcomes the new year.”
Another promotional post claimed: “If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Birmingham, don’t miss the celebrations on Centenary Square which is by far the biggest NYE party in the city.
“At the event, you’ll find street food vendors, an ice rink and bars to help you celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025.”
Back in November, visitors in London were expecting to discover a magical winter wonderland at Buckingham Palace have instead encountered scaffolding, security barriers and rain-soaked pavements.
Artificial intelligence-created pictures depicting a festive marketplace outside the monarch’s London home have circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing eager tourists to the location.
The fabricated images showed snow-dusted wooden chalets, twinkling fairy lights suspended overhead, and a towering Christmas tree positioned before the royal residence.
However, those who arrived at the Palace gates this week discovered no evidence of any seasonal marketplace.
A fake Buckingham Palace Christmas Market advert was circulating online | INSTAGRAM
A series of misleading photographs gained traction through several social media accounts boasting substantial followings on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
One travel-focused account, @London.travelers, which commands 2.5 million Instagram followers, promoted the non-existent attraction before removing its post.
The account had promised visitors would experience “a royal Christmas experience” at what they claimed would be the Palace’s first-ever festive marketplace, scheduled to run from December 1 to 24.
However, this turned out to be fake, with visitors to the capital left disappointed.