The fireworks used to be a lovely way to unite the city in a spectacle known the world over. Now the display costs £20 per person and has been a ticketed event for the past seven years. Community feel is priceless and, let's face it, we need it now more than ever. Because it's now a ticketed show, the event has become a tourist attraction more than anything and it's certainly lost that community charm in the process.
At least the fact it's still such an important event for the city and brings so many people into town is a positive.
The show this year, while chaotic, was still a stunning sight to behold.
With central London shut down, the late-night Tube is a great benefit to take advantage of, and the only viable mode of transport considering road closures and immense surcharges on cabs. It's great that the Mayor of London is continuing to offer this, although it's yet another service that's no longer free.
For me as a DJ, this big night out brings with it a mountain of social anxiety. It can be a licence for trouble. It's truly a c***s night out, almost as if people have been building up their twatness (is that a word?) all year round in order to get it all out in one evening.
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.