Hundreds gathered in Birmingham for New Year fireworks display that 'didn't exist' despite 'fake news' warnings
Hundreds of would-be spectators gathered in Birmingham for a New Year fireworks display that didn't exist despite warnings about fake reports of the event.
It was the second year in a row people have gathered in Birmingham’s Centenary Square for a non-existent fireworks event.
West Midlands Police had foreseen the scourge of misleading online content creating a big gathering for an anticipated December 31 show in one of the city’s focal destinations and attempted to issue warnings to the public that the event didn't exist, reports claim.
Despite the freezing cold, revellers cheered at midnight eagerly anticipating a firework display that never happened.
Several TikTok users captured the unusual scenes, sharing their confusion and disappointment online. One user wrote: “Birmingham pranked us,” filming the scene near the city’s closed big wheel.
Meanwhile, another added: “We went out to watch the fireworks…but plot twist."
Two days earlier, West Midlands Police had confirmed that there would be “no official fireworks or city-organized displays” on New Year’s Eve.
The police warning read: "We’re here to help clarify and stop misinformation from spreading. Why does this matter?
"Because misinformation can create real safety issues in the city.
"When large crowds gather for an event that doesn’t exist, it puts pressure on public transport, emergency services, and can lead to congestion in the city centre.
"We’re asking you to please only share accurate information from trusted sources."
On the ground, high-visibility patrols were tasked with informing people that there would be no fireworks display in the square.
It is believed adverts may have been written by AI based on information from previous years or that the error may come from round ups of events based on previous years but being re-presented as fresh information.
