UK Welcomes New Year Without Restrictions for the First Time Since Pandemic
The United Kingdom marked the arrival of 2024 with the grandest celebration since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to The Independent, thousands of people gathered without restrictions to celebrate and witness impressive fireworks displays in cities across the country.
In London, as Big Ben's chimes heralded the start of the new year, over 100,000 people gathered in the city centre near the Thames to witness the legendary fireworks. The New Year's show conveyed a message of "love and unity" and was dedicated to the historic victory of the England women's football team in the 2024 European Championship. It also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the London Pride and sent a message of support to Ukraine.
The performance also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by reproducing her voice message. Attendees also heard a message from King Charles III, emphasizing the need to preserve the future of our planet.
"This is the largest fireworks display in Europe, and I believe it's the best fireworks display in the world. It's a very important way to welcome the new year. It's an occasion to reflect on the past year, on some truly happy events, and, of course, on one truly tragic event related to the loss of Her Late Majesty," said London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The large turnout for New Year's celebrations in the UK can be explained by the fact that the previous three years' New Year celebrations took place under active Covid-19-related restrictions. During that time, there were limitations on holding mass events, including the cancellation of the festive fireworks in 2020. Typically crowded streets were also quiet on New Year's night in 2021, as the Covid-19 infection rate sharply increased just before Christmas.
It's worth noting that at the same time, mass celebrations on New Year's night did not take place in Ukraine due to the existing curfew, which prohibits people from being in public places at night in most cities. The curfew was imposed shortly after the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
Additionally, on New Year's night, Russian forces launched a record number of combat drones into Ukrainian territory and attacked Ukraine with S-300, Kh-31P, and Kh-59 missiles, as reported on Monday by the Ukrainian Air Force. In total, Russians launched 90 "Shahed" drones into Ukrainian territory that night, 87 of which were successfully intercepted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.