London’s much-loved New Year’s Eve fireworks will be replaced with a live show hosted at Trafalgar Square.

The mayor of London sparked a furious backlash last month after the famous display overlooking the River Thames was cancelled for the second year in a row due to coronavirus.

As a consolation, plans for a brand-new celebration in central London were unveiled today – which will feature live music, stage performances from some of the capital’s best-known artists, and food stalls.

The show will be ticketed and while details are still thin on the ground, applicants will be allocated these through a lottery system or a ballot.

Those who can’t get tickets are invited to stay at home and enjoy a broadcast ‘celebrating the capital roaring back to life’. 

Shown live exclusively on BBC One and iPlayer, it will tell the stories behind this year’s most defining moments, and will look ahead to 2022.

The programme, which will also be screened at Trafalgar Square, will feature a live choir, and previews of events such as London hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.

Mr Khan said: ‘This year, as well as a brand-new celebration event in Trafalgar Square, we can look forward to a live broadcast spectacular which will showcase our magnificent city on BBC One.

‘London is simply magical during these winter months and after all we have endured as a city we have every reason to celebrate as we look ahead to the new year.’

But he also encouraged Londoners and visitors from around the world to welcome the new year in style and book their celebrations ahead at restaurants, bars, clubs and attractions.

More details about the event at Trafalgar Square will be released soon.

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