How Much Does London Spend On New Year Fireworks

Hey there, let's chat about something that lights up the night sky and puts a sparkle in our eyes - London's New Year fireworks! You know, the ones that make us go "Ooh!" and "Aah!" like we're watching a really good sunset, but with more bang and less... sun.

So, how much does this spectacular show cost?

Well, grab a cuppa, 'cause we're diving into the numbers. Now, London's New Year's Eve fireworks display is put on by the Greater London Authority. They've been throwing this bash since 2003, and it's become a proper London institution, like red buses and queues for the tube (but hopefully with less grumbling).

In 2019, the last time we had a full-blown celebration (you know, before we all became honorary hermits), the budget for the fireworks was a cool £2.4 million. That's right, we're talking big bucks here, folks. But remember, this isn't just a fireworks display, it's a London fireworks display. We don't do things by halves, do we?

What's the money actually spent on?

Well, it's not all going on sparklers and party poppers, much as we'd like it to. The budget covers a whole host of things that go into making the night a success. Let's break it down:

• Fireworks: Yep, they're the stars of the show, and they're not cheap. The 2019 display had over 12,000 fireworks, and each one is a little work of art. They're designed, tested, and then set off in a carefully choreographed dance to music. It's like the world's most spectacular fireworks ballet.
• Music: Speaking of music, the tunes that accompany the fireworks aren't just free downloads from Spotify. The rights to use them have to be paid for. In 2019, the playlist included tracks from the likes of Stormzy, Mark Ronson, and Dua Lipa. Fancy a dance, anyone?
• Safety and security: Keeping everyone safe is a top priority. This includes things like crowd control barriers, stewards, and medical services. It's not all fun and games, you know. Well, not all the time, anyway.
• Cleaning up: After the party comes the cleanup, and that's not free either. The poor souls who have to tidy up the next day deserve a medal, don't they?
• Logistics: Getting all those fireworks to the right place at the right time is no mean feat. There's transport, storage, and a team of experts to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Or, you know, with a hitch, but in a controlled, explosive sort of way.

Is it worth it?

You bet it is! London's New Year fireworks are a global event, watched by millions around the world. They bring people together, create amazing memories, and put a smile on faces (even if it's just because we're all freezing our bums off).

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Plus, think about it this way: for just over £2 million, we get a spectacular show that lasts for 12 minutes. That's less than 20p per second of pure, unadulterated joy. Bargain, right?

And what about this year?

Well, 2020 and 2021 were a bit different, weren't they? With the pandemic, the fireworks were scaled back, and the budget was too. In 2021, the display cost around £600,000. It was still a fantastic show, but on a smaller scale. But hey, we're back in business for 2022, and we're ready to party like it's 2019 (but hopefully with fewer face masks).

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So, there you have it!

London's New Year fireworks are a big deal, and they cost a pretty penny. But when you see the look on kids' faces as they watch the sky light up, or hear the cheer that goes up as the clock strikes midnight, you know it's all worth it.

Here's to 2023, folks. May it be filled with laughter, love, and, of course, lots and lots of fireworks. Happy New Year!