For the second year in a row, a significant number of people were misled into gathering in Birmingham city centre for a New Year's Eve fireworks display that was never scheduled to take place.
False hopes in Centenary Square
On Wednesday, 31 December, hundreds of individuals converged on Centenary Square, near Broad Street, anticipating a celebratory spectacle at midnight. The crowd assembled close to the area's seasonal attractions, including the big wheel and ice rink, with many expecting a fireworks show.
However, as the clock struck midnight and no display materialised, the assembled revellers were left sorely disappointed, mirroring an identical incident that occurred the previous year. Videos shared online depicted a substantial crowd outside Birmingham's main library, waiting in vain.
Police warnings ignored after online rumours
West Midlands Police had proactively attempted to prevent the situation. On Monday, 29 December, the force issued a clear statement on social media, explicitly stating: "There are no official firework displays or city-organised events happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year’s Eve."
The police alert directly referenced the circulation of false online posts and adverts which had duped people the year before, leading to unnecessary journeys and frustration for families. Authorities urged the public to treat any social media claims about large-scale New Year events in the city with extreme caution and to only share information from trusted sources.
Despite these pre-emptive warnings, a police spokesperson confirmed after the event that "a few hundred people did gather in Centenary Square" before realising the truth. Officers on high-visibility patrols were required to encourage a small number of people to leave the area.
Consequences of misinformation
The recurring hoax highlights the tangible problems caused by online misinformation. West Midlands Police emphasised that false claims can create genuine public safety issues, placing undue pressure on emergency services, public transport, and causing congestion.
The incident serves as a stark reminder for residents to verify event information through official channels. As one officer stated, the force's goal was to "stop misinformation from spreading" and to ensure Birmingham remained a safe and enjoyable place for everyone during the festive period.
