London's New Year’s Eve fireworks show returned to more than 100,000 revellers and was produced by event agency Identity for the first time.
Organised by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the 12-minute show included 12,000 fireworks from Titanium Fireworks, 400 drones from Celestial, lighting designed by Tim Routledge and music directed by Kojo Samuel and On The Sly.
Identity worked with the Greater London Authority to develop the 'with love from London' theme. The agency produced two shows in parallel: the South Bank spectacle to a live audience and an enhanced drone display on Horse Guards Parade.
The event highlighted the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory, 50 years of London's Pride and showed solidarity with Ukraine. Drones paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and honoured King Charles III along with news and voice clips from The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Dame Judi Dench and Peter Tatchell from the Gay Liberation Front.
Planning for the show started in July with soundtrack development, followed by pyrotechnics design, lighting design and programming.
The show set-up started off-site before Christmas and moved on-site to central London from 27th December. Identity had a core team of 55 people on the ground who were responsible for final preparations, including rigging the lighting and pyrotechnics on the London Eye. More than 25 tonnes of equipment were used to rig the pyrotechnic effects, using 18 kilometres of cable and wire and three pyro barges in place in front of the London Eye.
Hannah Clark, project director, Identity, said: “Identity was honoured and proud to support the Mayor of London in the delivery of London’s biggest New Year’s Eve show, the first time Identity has had the privilege of delivering this important event.”
The Major of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that Londoners and visitors to the capital were once again able to join together on the banks of the River Thames to welcome in the new year with our best ever celebration. Millions from around the world also watched our unique show, which brought together fireworks, drones, lighting and music to remember key moments in 2022 and look ahead to 2023.
"I’m proud that we have sent a message of love, hope and unity and I am excited for 2023 as we continue to build a better, fairer and more prosperous city for everyone.”
Suppliers
Titanium Fireworks - Pyrotechnics
Celestial – Drone Show
Key Structures - Marquees
Sunbelt Rentals - Crowd Barrier
Qdos Event Hire – Cabins and Production Toilets
PTL – Toilets
A1 Group - Toilets
Power Logistics – Power
Crew – Five Star Crew
Fencing – Entertee