The Mayor’s New Year London fireworks were labelled an ‘ego trip’ and ‘the Sadiq Khan show’ today as he was accused of putting himself at the centre of the display.
Just before the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight, a message saying ‘The Mayor of London presents…’ was written high in the sky before a unity-themed display welcomed the new year with the messaging: ‘London – A Place for Everyone’.
The celebration that lasted almost 15 minutes referenced the King’s coronation and also used Charles’s quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing in which he said the new arrivals ‘collectively enrich the fabric of our national life’.
There were repeated references to London’s diversity and inclusivity, with Mr Khan telling the world everyone is welcome in a city where people can be themselves.
But many critics took to social media to complain that the display was packed with political messaging ahead of Mr Khan’s bid for re-election as Mayor this May.
Just before the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight in London, a message saying ‘The Mayor of London presents…’ was written high in the sky
A unity-themed display welcomed the new year in the capital with the messaging: ‘London – A Place for Everyone’
Among them was author Paul Embery who tweeted: ‘London New Year’s Eve fireworks: voiceover of the King preaching about ‘diversity’, a homage to the NHS, an advert for same-sex marriage, then a Windrush tribute. All literally within two minutes of the clock striking midnight. This stuff is like a nervous tic. It’s relentless.’
He added: ‘I consider myself a political animal. But the manner in which relentless political messaging is infecting every area of public life is distinctly unhealthy.’
Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, a Conservative councillor for Hatch End in North West London, said: ‘They’re OUR fireworks Mr Mayor, not yours. Talk about an ego trip.’
Some 100,000 people in the capital cast their eyes to the sky to take in the firework, laser, and drone show.
As hits by the Spice Girls, Calvin Harris, Dua Lupa and others rang out across the city, revellers were invited to look back on 2023.
The display – which included more than 12,000 fireworks, 600 drones and 430 lights – also paid homage to the NHS, which celebrated 75 years in 2023.
But another viewer commenting on social media took issue with the ‘Place for Everyone’ title of the display.
They said: ‘London, a place that isn’t safe for everyone more like. A violent crime epidemic. Hate mobs on the streets. regular clashes between different communities. No thanks. London has been turned into a total dump.’
One said: ‘The Mayor of London presents… The Sadiq Khan Show. Funded by the extremely p***ed off British taxpayer. #LondonNYE #LondonFireworks.’
Further messages throughout the pyrotechnic show were heard from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Dame Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, George the Poet, and Baroness Floella Benjamin, who read a poem by the late Benjamin Zephaniah.
But one viewer tweeted: ‘What a load of c**p. The only thing London can celebrate is being the crime capital of the world with this failing mayor. Even the fireworks were c**p.’
And another added: ‘Since when did you do the ‘Presented by’ The Mayor of London’ thing? I thought the light show was down to experts. How arrogant.’
A further viewer said: ‘Can’t we just enjoy the fireworks? Does any democracy need such Soviet or Chinese style social messaging?
‘We should all resist this battering of propaganda – no matter what your political take, it’s not healthy.’
Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye in London during the New Year celebrations
Fireworks organised by Sadiq Khan welcome in the New Year in London overnight
People watch the fireworks over the London Eye in London during the New Year celebrations
Fireworks organised by the Mayor of London welcome in the New Year in the capital
Mayor Sadiq Khan who said it was London’s ‘best and biggest ever’ New Year celebration
Another tweet said: ‘The Mayor of London presents.. What?! Ulez and increased TfL fares. ‘
The show was organised by Mr Khan who said it was London’s ‘best and biggest ever’ New Year celebration.
He added: ‘Our unique combination of fireworks, drones, lighting and music have put on a fabulous show for the millions watching around the globe, sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world.
‘2023 was filled with so many special moments, and as we move into 2024, I feel more inspired than ever to continue our work towards building a better, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.’