BBC audiences have been left delighted and amused by a clever pop culture tribute woven into London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display for 2026.
A Spectacle of Sound and Light
The annual fireworks show over the River Thames once again provided a breathtaking start to the new year. The display, packed with colour and music, celebrated major British achievements from 2025, including the Women's Rugby World Cup and the Lionesses' European victory.
However, it was the inclusion of 2025's defining internet trend that truly captured viewers' attention. The soundtrack featured a witty adaptation of the viral Jet2 holiday audio, which had dominated TikTok throughout the previous summer.
The Viral Moment That Stole the Show
Instead of the original "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday" voiceover by artist Zoë Lister, set to Jess Glynne's hit song Hold My Hand, the fireworks audio proclaimed: 'Nothing beats a New Year's Eve in London' followed by roaring cheers of "Happy New Year".
This playful segment then seamlessly transitioned into an homage to the musical Wicked, delivering a message of unity and hope to fellow Londoners. The sequence lasted for 45 seconds of pure pop culture fun.
Social media reaction was swift and enthusiastic. One viewer, Alex, wrote on X: 'I am obsessed with London fireworks doing jet2 holiday x wicked crossover'. Another, Lucas Donnelly, declared: 'This is iconic. London won'.
A Song's Remarkable Revival
The use of Jess Glynne's track was particularly poignant. Hold My Hand was crowned TikTok's official song of 2025 in December, a full decade after its original release. The app reported it had soundtracked a staggering 6.6 million videos, largely thanks to the Jet2 campaign.
Speaking about the song's resurgence, Glynne said the campaign gave it a "fun, light-hearted twist" and expressed gratitude that a new audience had connected with her work.
While many praised the display's humorous and contemporary edge, with one user joking Britain is an "unserious country", others, like Tyler Walsh, pleaded to 'leave that song in 2025'.
The full New Year's Eve Fireworks display is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
