Why did people gather in Birmingham for fake fireworks on New Year's Eve 2026?

False claims circulated online, promising a dazzling fireworks display in Centenary Square, leading hundreds to gather in anticipation.

Did West Midlands Police warn about the Birmingham fireworks hoax?

Yes, police had warned that no official fireworks displays were planned for Birmingham city centre on New Year's Eve.

What were the consequences of the Birmingham New Year's Eve hoax?

The hoax caused disappointment among attendees and raised safety concerns due to large crowds gathering for a non-existent event.

Home / Crime and Justice / Birmingham New Year's Hoax: Crowds Fooled by Fake Fireworks

Birmingham New Year's Hoax: Crowds Fooled by Fake Fireworks

1 Jan

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Summary

Hundreds gathered in Centenary Square for a non-existent 2026 fireworks display.
Police had warned about fake online claims leading to confusion and disappointment.
Misinformation created safety issues, straining city resources.

Birmingham New Year's Hoax: Crowds Fooled by Fake Fireworks

In Birmingham, the arrival of 2026 was marked by anticlimax for hundreds who gathered in Centenary Square, misled by online fabrications about a fireworks display. Despite police warnings about recurring false claims, many attended expecting a 'dazzling' show, only to find the sky empty. This hoax mirrors a similar incident from the previous year, highlighting a pattern of online misinformation causing public disappointment.

The West Midlands police had explicitly stated that no official New Year's Eve events were planned for the city centre. They attributed the annual occurrence of such rumors to the spread of misinformation online, which unfortunately leads to significant confusion and letdown for attendees. The gathering in Centenary Square, captured in social media footage, showed a large crowd anticipating an event that was never scheduled.