Wembley organisers slammed over fireworks display after emergency alert millions across UK got yesterday

Mere hours after millions across the UK got a fright when an emergency alert blasted from phones, Wembley Stadium came under fire over a pyrotechnics display.

The alarm sound pinged from phones to warn the population not to light anything that could spark a wildfire. The Government sent the notice on Friday evening (14 August), which began appearing on mobile devices from 7pm.

The urgent warning comes after several weeks of incredibly hot weather across the UK, with millions of people enduring temperatures well into the mid 30s at several points this week already.

Wildfires have been ravaging the United Kingdom as the country experiences more soaring temperatures in the fifth heatwave of the summer.

Friday is now provisionally a record-breaking 10th day in 2026 where temperatures have exceeded 35C or more, according to the Met Office.

There was no real warning that the alert might have been coming either, as we have seen in previous years, as it went on to interrupted live programmes on BBC One and the radio amongst others.

But just hours after the alert pinged, a huge fireworks display was seen lighting up the sky over Wembley Stadium during the Weeknd's sell-out gig in front of thousands, sparking a major reaction online.

LADbible now understands that following the unexpected alert, there was a meeting between the venue officials and the on-hand fire service about whether the display should go ahead but ultimately, it was decided it was safe to do so.

"Maybe the message didn't reach organisers"

Users on X were quick to respond to the dramatic display, which came after millions were urged not to 'undertake any activity that could start a fire' which included the use of fireworks, firepits or disposable barbecues, which have been temporarily banned.

"So last night Wembley stadium set off fireworks. So will they face criminal prosecution?” One post on X read. Another quipped: "I wonder how Many people phoned the police about the Wembley fireworks last night then??”

Another user said: "So yesterday an emergency alert was issued warning people not to use BBQs or fireworks because of the extreme fire risk. 'Please don't use fireworks because of the fire risk', unless, apparently, you're putting on a show at Wembley. Maybe the message didn't reach those who organised this.”

"Clearly organisers at @wembleystadium didn't get tonight's Government alert eh?" another user wrote, along with a video of the firework display over the stadium.

Wembley issues response

Responding to LADbible, the stadium said that a meeting was held at the venue immediately following the alert to decide whether the fireworks could go ahead.

This involved members of the Met Police and London Fire Brigade who are on site for every event at Wembley Stadium.

It's understood that all parties were 'comfortable' that the fireworks are used in a controlled environment with mitigations in place, and that the show continued without issues.

In a statement, a spokesperson told us: “Last night’s (Friday) firework and pyrotechnic display was a controlled performance, delivered within the Wembley Stadium footprint and subject to the stadium’s established safety procedures.

“All pyrotechnics at Wembley are designed, operated and managed by specialist professionals in accordance with the stadium’s pyrotechnics policy.

“The stadium also has a team of fire safety experts on site for every event.”

Andy Burnham explains why millions across UK got alert

After the alert sounded on phones on Friday, the Prime Minister has shared the 'devastating' reason why an emergency alert was sent out to phones across the UK earlier this evening.

At 7pm, phones loudly emitted the sound of the alert, to share an important warning about the risk of wildfires in the UK as the drought conditions continue amid the recent heatwaves.

Afterwards, Andy Burnham explained exactly why the alert was sent out to phones across the nation, defending the Government's decision.

He said: "This evening, an Emergency Alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from Fire and Rescue Services.

"I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on people’s homes and lives. Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.

"During this period of extreme heat, I’m asking everyone to take extra care. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.

"Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions.

"We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place."