The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued an urgent warning to revellers hoping to secure tickets for the capital's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display. He is urging the public to be extremely vigilant against a growing number of fraudulent websites and ticket touts offering illegitimate entry.
How to Spot a Fake Ticket
The official message is clear: the only authorised seller for the event is Ticketmaster. Purchasing from any other source, including social media platforms or online marketplaces, carries a high risk of being scammed. City Hall has confirmed that individuals presenting 'last-minute' or fake tickets on the night will be turned away at the gates.
This caution follows an investigation from last year, where MyLondon discovered touts attempting to sell entry for as much as £250 per person. This is a staggering £200 markup on the original price, highlighting the severe financial risk involved in buying from unofficial sources.
Official Ticket Prices and Final Release
For those seeking legitimate tickets, a limited number are still available online via the official channel. Furthermore, City Hall has announced a final ticket release scheduled for later this month, although the precise date is still to be confirmed.
The authorised ticket prices for this year's spectacle are set as follows:
- London residents: £20 or £35, depending on the viewing area.
- Visitors from outside the capital: £40 or £55, which represents a 10 per cent increase from the previous year.
City Hall has stated that this price adjustment for non-residents is necessary to help cover the rising costs experienced across the wider events industry.
Police and Mayoral Advice for a Safe Celebration
Amanda Wolf, a chief superintendent from the City of London Police, reinforced the Mayor's warning. She advised, "Only purchase tickets from the official partner site, Ticketmaster, including resales. Avoid offers or deals of tickets on social media or online marketplaces - these are likely to be fake, especially if you're requested to pay via bank transfer."
Sadiq Khan commented, "As Londoners and visitors start to think about their plans for New Year's Eve, we are reminding anyone wanting to enjoy our spectacular celebrations that you must buy a ticket from our authorised outlet." He added that it is heartbreaking to see people turned away after spending large sums on counterfeit tickets.
With over 100,000 people expected to line the banks of the River Thames to watch the skies light up and hear Big Ben chime in 2026, authorities are determined to ensure the public has a safe and fraud-free experience. To guarantee trouble-free entry, your only secure option is to purchase through the official Ticketmaster website.
