UK rings in 2026 amid icy nights and huge crowds

Revellers across the UK are waking up with sore heads after welcoming 2026 with raucous celebrations—despite freezing temperatures and snow warnings sweeping the country.

Partygoers were urged to wrap up warm as Britain ushered in the New Year amid sub-zero conditions, but the cold failed to dampen spirits. City centres were packed as groups of friends celebrated late into the night, raising glasses and counting down to midnight.

London Fireworks Light Up the Thames

In London, around 100,000 revellers lined the River Thames to watch the capital’s iconic fireworks display. As Big Ben struck midnight, an astonishing 12,000 fireworks were launched in just 12 minutes, with millions more tuning in from home.

The display included tributes to England’s sporting heroes, including the Lionesses and the Red Roses. However, Primrose Hill was closed this year due to safety concerns, after an estimated 30,000 people gathered there last New Year’s Eve.

Celebrations Across the UK Despite the Cold

Large crowds also gathered for fireworks and outdoor celebrations in:

Manchester – St Peter’s Square filled with revellers
Edinburgh – Hogmanay went ahead despite 25–30mph gusts
Newcastle – Packed Quayside celebrations
Birmingham, York, and Bristol – Busy pubs and bars into the early hours

In Scotland, temperatures hovered around 5–6°C in Edinburgh and Glasgow, while winds made conditions feel much colder.

Meanwhile, revellers in Belfast braved around 4°C in the Titanic Quarter, with official viewing areas ticketed and crowds spilling onto nearby bridges, bars, and boats.

Freezing Temperatures and Snow Warnings

Despite the celebrations, much of the UK has been gripped by a severe cold snap. Temperatures plunged as low as -8°C overnight, with the south coast—including Southampton, Bournemouth, and Brighton—dropping below zero.

According to the Met Office, snow could be on the cards in the first days of 2026. A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 12am on Friday, January 2, covering parts of:
The southeast of England
London
The West Midlands
Much of Wales

At least 79 locations are under snow warnings in the coming days, with further alerts issued for Northern Ireland and northern Scotland.

Health Alert Issued as Cold Snap Continues

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert for the North East and North West of England, warning of a potential rise in deaths. The alert remains in force until January 5, with health experts cautioning that the prolonged cold could place added pressure on health and care services—particularly affecting older people and those with existing health conditions.

As Britain shakes off New Year’s Eve celebrations, revellers are being advised to stay warm and take care, with icy conditions set to linger well into the first week of 2026