Birmingham New Year's Eve Fireworks Disappointment Amid Online Misinformation
Hundreds of people gathered in Birmingham's Centenary Square on New Year's Eve, anticipating a fireworks display to welcome 2026. However, no official fireworks display or city-organised event took place in the city centre that night. West Midlands Police had issued warnings in advance, clarifying that there were no planned firework shows and urging the public not to gather expecting one.
This marked the second consecutive year where misinformation circulating online falsely promoted a fireworks event. The false advertising included claims of a dazzling fireworks show accompanied by music, which led to significant crowding despite the absence of any display. Video footage showed crowds assembled near the ferris wheel in Centenary Square, with the sky remaining silent throughout the evening.
Police highlighted the risks posed by such misinformation, noting that large crowds strain public transport services, emergency responders, and cause congestion in the city centre. This issue extends beyond Birmingham; for instance, last month tourists were misled by AI-generated images promoting a fictitious Christmas market at Buckingham Palace, illustrating a growing problem of online falsehoods impacting public safety and expectations.
