It’s been a few months since our last fireworks news update in December. Here at Firework Crazy, we’ve been busy getting ready for the season ahead, but we’ve still been keeping track of the biggest fireworks stories.
From London’s record-breaking New Year’s Eve display to a surprising incident in Tottenham, we’ve rounded up the top fireworks stories from 2025 so far.
Whether you’re a fireworks fan or just curious about the latest news, keep reading to find out what’s been happening in the world of fireworks this year.
1. London Rings in 2025 with Europe’s Largest Firework Display
To begin the year, London kicked off 2025 with a bang with the annual New Year fireworks display lighting up the skies over the Thames. While some other major New Year’s events, like Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, were cancelled due to adverse weather, London’s display went ahead under clear skies.
Organised by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the display featured over 12,000 fireworks and 420 drone lights, and is said to have been one of the largest firework displays in Europe, with around 100,000 ticket holders who gathered to witness the display.
The display wasn’t just a visually stunning one, but it was also emotional, featuring symbols of hope and unity created by drone formations. Highlights included a special appearance by Paddington Bear and a tribute to the 2024 Olympics, adding a nostalgic and celebratory touch to the night.
This year’s display brought together people from around the country and proved that London’s fireworks shows continue to be one of the most iconic destinations for New Year’s Celebrations.
https://youtu.be/3mgQqXXIGsM?si=YzkiOxCs49sB3FD7
2. Tottenham Players Woken Up at 2 am by Fireworks
In the early hours of the morning on 23rd January, Tottenham Hotspur players were rudely woken up by fireworks being let off outside their hotel in Germany.
At around 2:30 am, local fans launched the fireworks in an attempt to disrupt the players’ rest ahead of their Europa League semi-final match with Hoffenheim.
This tactic, while controversial, is not uncommon in European football, where passionate supporters sometimes go to extreme lengths to unsettle visiting teams.
3. Dutch Vote to Ban New Year’s Fireworks
In April, the Dutch parliament voted on a proposal to implement a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks during New Year celebrations, which would restrict the sale and use of fireworks by the general public.
Fireworks have long been a central part of Dutch New Year traditions, so when the proposal was introduced in 2002, it initially struggled to gain support.
However, public attitudes have gradually shifted following a series of recent incidents, including disruptions and safety concerns during the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Dutch parliament have since approved the motion for a ban, however the ban won’t be implemented until after the next New Year due to implementation challenges.
4. Vatican City to Use Smoke Signals to Show Elected Pope Has Been Chosen
Following the passing of Pope Francis, Vatican City has entered a period of mourning as the papal conclave gathers to elect a new Pope. Since the 12th century, the Vatican has used smoke signals to communicate the outcome of the papal election.
After each voting session, smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. White smoke indicates that a new Pope has been chosen, while black smoke signals that no decision has been made yet.
While fireworks are a common way to mark celebrations around the world, the Vatican continues to use this centuries-old tradition for one of the most important moments in the Church’s history.
5. Dubai DISNEY Celebrates Opening with Fireworks Display
On the 7th May, Disney marked the official announcement of Disney Dubai with an astonishing fireworks display that lit up the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Against the backdrop of coordinated fireworks and drone displays, The Walt Disney Company, in partnership with Miral, unveiled plans for the upcoming Disney resort on Yas Island. Once completed, the new waterfront resort will be Disney’s seventh global theme park destination and the first in the Middle East.
While the park itself is still under construction, the fireworks display captured the imagination of fans and set the tone for what promises to be a world-class attraction. It symbolised the start of a new era for Disney in the Middle East, building anticipation for the park’s eventual opening.
https://youtu.be/8BLRxhTLtVQ?si=BV6BYuJiJbPrOSmS
6. Clacton Pier Announces 11 Free Fireworks Displays for 2025
Bringing things a bit closer to home, Clacton Pier announced they will host 11 free firework displays throughout 2025.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic pier, these shows will offer a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy some impressive displays by the sea.
Clacton Pier’s 2025 fireworks schedule includes:
- Easter Sunday (20th April)
- Two bank holiday weekends (May 4 and 25),
- Four consecutive Saturdays during the summer holidays (26th July, 2nd, 9th, and 16th August).
- Clacton Airshow (21st August)
- Bank holiday weekend (24th August)
- Guy Fawkes celebration with low noise display and main show (8th November)
Stay updated with Firework News
From London’s record-breaking New Year’s Eve display to Disney’s Middle East expansion and debates over firework bans in the Netherlands, 2025 is already shaping to be an eventful year for fireworks.
As the 2025 firework season approaches, we’ll keep you up to date with the biggest stories from around the world, so check back for our next update and ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
