Thousands of New Year’s Eve party-goers were left disappointed after a rumoured fireworks display in Birmingham’s Centenary Square turned out to be a hoax, sparked by rogue social media and AI posts. Many descended on the city centre following online whispers of an official spectacle set to illuminate the night sky to welcome in 2025.
However, those expectations were dashed as West Midlands Police officers on duty at the square had to inform the crowd that no event was scheduled. Despite the large number of people anticipating a grand display, police and security found themselves significantly outnumbered, reports the Express.
Yet only minor disturbances occurred within the crowd and when midnight struck, excitement prevailed with cheers and sporadic fireworks from individuals within the throng of let-down revellers – a stark contrast from the organised celebration many had envisaged. It’s been a decade since Birmingham last hosted an official New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
West Midlands Police addressed the situation with an online statement, stating: “We’re aware of speculation of a New Year’s Eve fireworks display taking place in Birmingham’s Centenary Square tonight but we can confirm this is not the case. We don’t want people travelling unnecessarily into the city centre tonight to be left disappointed after discovering the event isn’t taking place.”
Birmingham Superintendent Emlyn Richards has issued a statement regarding online rumours: “There are rumours online that a fireworks display will take place in Centenary Square but there isn’t a planned event this year. We don’t want people travelling into the city to be disappointed when they arrive and discover this is the case.”
He also reassured the public about safety measures, saying, “There will be thousands of people travelling into the city to enjoy themselves at venues across the city. We will be visible on the streets tonight to ensure everything runs smoothly and people have a wonderful evening.”