Thousands turn up to non-existent New Year’s display after fake advert prank for second year in row

Nobody wants to start 2026 with a mistake - but that's exactly what hundreds of people did in Birmingham last night.

Crowds of people gathered in Birmingham city centre last night with the promise of a fireworks display to bring in the new year, but this didn't unfold.

While many Brits were out at pubs or at house parties on New Year's Eve, groups of Brummies showed up to Centenary Square after adverts online promised 'the biggest NYE party' in the Midlands city.

But a quick scroll on TikTok will reveal that it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, despite spectators packing the streets and surrounding area with their phones pointed up for the upcoming 'show'.

Before long though, the same crowds were funnelling out of the area as police officers turned up to tell them that the event wasn't happening.

Thousands were tricked into attending a fake fireworks display (TikTok)

After waiting in freezing temperatures, the truth was revealed - it was all a prank which may have had something to do with AI.

Apparently, thousands of people did the same thing in 2024 in Centenary Square, for a non-existent firework display like the one last night.

Further analysis discovered that posts showcasing the 'best' firework shows in the UK could have been written by AI after being based on old information.

We all know how quickly AI can write an article, with it sometimes taking seconds, though they are prone to errors with programmes such as ChatGPT making this clear.

The last time New Year's fireworks were set off in Birmingham city centre was 2017, but they are often included in roundups of the best fireworks in the UK.

One advert said it would run from 8pm on New Year's Eve to 12.30am the next morning, adding: "If you're spending New Year's Eve in Birmingham, don't miss the celebrations on Centenary Square which is by far the biggest NYE party in the city.

"At the event, you'll find street food vendors, an ice rink and bars to help you celebrate New Year's Eve 2025."

West Midlands Police had already warned residents of a fake firework display in Birmingham, highlighting that there would be 'no official firework displays or city-organised events' around New Year's in the city centre.

"Every year, rumours start to spread online about big celebrations in the city. Unfortunately, these false claims often lead to confusion and disappointment," a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

Large crowds gathered at Centenary Square (TikTok)

They said that last year, similar posts were shared: "Many people believed it, travelled into the city centre, and were left frustrated when nothing happened,

"Families made unnecessary journeys and ended up disappointed after discovering the event wasn't taking place. We don't want that to happen again."

They urged people coming across these posts on social media to 'treat them with caution' and to let them know, as the police can clarify the situation and stop misinformation from running riot.

The test for authorities is that real safety issues can be caused as a result of the misinformation, with the spokesperson urging users to 'only share accurate information from trusted sources'.