Fake New Year Fireworks Fool Birmingham Crowds
Hundreds of revellers gathered in Birmingham city centre on New Year’s Eve after online rumours falsely claimed a fireworks display would take place — despite clear police warnings that no such event was planned.
Crowds flocked to Centenary Square on December 31, braving freezing temperatures as they waited for midnight and the expected fireworks to ring in 2026. Videos shared on TikTok showed packed streets and people holding phones aloft, anticipating the display.
However, the fireworks never happened.
Instead, disappointed crowds were later seen leaving the square after being informed by officers that the event did not exist. Police were forced to intervene as confusion spread among those who had travelled into the city based on misleading online posts.
Police Warnings Ignored
West Midlands Police had issued warnings ahead of New Year’s Eve, stating clearly that no official fireworks or city-organised events would take place in Birmingham city centre.
A police spokesperson 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, and unfortunately these false claims lead to confusion and disappointment.”
Despite the warning, hundreds still attended — marking the second year in a row that fake fireworks information has drawn large crowds to the same location.
AI and Outdated Information Blamed
Last year, thousands reportedly descended on Centenary Square after online adverts and blog posts falsely promoted a New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Experts later suggested some of the misleading content may have been generated by AI, recycling outdated articles listing the “best fireworks displays in the UK”.
In reality, Birmingham city centre has not hosted official New Year’s fireworks since 2017, yet it continues to appear in online event roundups.
One false advert this year claimed the event would run from 8pm until 12.30am and promised street food vendors, bars and even an ice rink — none of which existed.
Safety Concerns Over Misinformation
Police stressed that misinformation is not just disappointing but also dangerous.
“When large crowds gather for an event that doesn’t exist, it puts pressure on public transport, emergency services and creates congestion in the city centre,” the statement continued.
Families reportedly made unnecessary journeys into Birmingham, only to discover that the advertised celebrations were not real.
Call for Trusted Information
West Midlands Police urged the public to verify event information through trusted sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed social media posts.
Officers remained on high-visibility patrols throughout the festive period to ensure public safety.
As Birmingham once again rang in the New Year without fireworks, authorities hope the embarrassing annual mix-up will finally come to an end — and that online misinformation will be treated with greater caution in the future.
