West Midlands Police have issued a direct and urgent warning to the public, urging them to ignore false online claims about an official New Year's Eve fireworks display in Birmingham city centre.
Viral Rumours Lead to Police Intervention
Officers have moved to officially debunk social media posts that have spread widely, falsely promising a spectacular fireworks event in Centenary Square. The force has confirmed that Birmingham City Council and all official city bodies have not organised any public fireworks display for 31 December. They expressed serious concern that these baseless claims could lead to large, disappointed crowds gathering with no entertainment planned.
A Repeat of Last Year's Disappointment
Authorities are keen to avoid a repeat of last year's incident, where hundreds of people travelled into the city centre based on similar misinformation. Many families, some with young children, made wasted journeys only to find no event taking place. Police warn that such situations place unnecessary strain on public transport, policing resources, and pedestrian safety during the busy bank holiday period.
"We are asking people not to come into the city centre expecting a fireworks display, as there isn't one," a spokesperson stated. "Congregating in large numbers without an organised event poses safety risks and leads to frustration."
Official Advice and Increased Patrols
The police are advising residents to either stay at home or consider attending legitimate, ticketed events instead. To manage any crowds that do arrive and to prevent anti-social behaviour, high-visibility patrols will be active across the city centre throughout New Year's Eve. The priority for officers remains ensuring the safety of those visiting for the night-time economy.
The force has also asked the public to follow their official social media channels for accurate, real-time updates. By clarifying the situation proactively, they hope to prevent widespread disappointment and ensure a safe start to the New Year for everyone.
