The start of the display, which was watched by an estimated crowd of 250,000, was accompanied by a recording of the moment on July 6, 2005, the capital learned it would host next summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games when International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge read out the word "London".

The London Eye and Big Ben were the focal point for the pyrotechnics, which London Mayor Boris Johnson had promised would be a fitting way to mark the start of a momentus year

There were some 12,000 fireworks, producing 50,000 projectiles, launched during the display, which was triggered by Big Ben's chimes and lasted for 11 minutes.

Carefully selected songs from some of Britain's best known artists accompanied the fireworks, which were expected to be watched on television by millions of people around the world.

There were 30 tonnes of equipment on the three fireworks barges on the river ready for the display, the biggest in the city's history, and gave a clue as to what we can expect during the Opening Ceremony on July 27.


It started with explosions blasting from the top of Westminster's historic clock tower and went on to turn the London Eye into a gigantic Catherine wheel, including at one point fireworks in the shape and colours of the Olympic rings, before culminating in a dazzling finale.

"Our New Year fireworks were a brilliant start to a spectacular year," said Johnson.

"This is just the beginning - as the eyes of the world turn to London for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, there will be amazing events across the capital up to, during and beyond a summer like no other.

"We will stage an incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will put us in the global spotlight and spur the long-term rejuvenation of East London and bring benefits to the whole capital.

"From the magic of the Games, to the [Queen's] Diamond Jubilee, and the London 2012 Festival to our own outdoor arts festival, we will welcome the world with thrilling events in every corner of the capital to create a summer like no other."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]