New york city: New York City has raised security measures ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations at Times Square tonight (US time), while the UK is preparing a massive fireworks display to celebrate the New Year. The New York City Mayor stated that there are currently no specific or credible threats linked to the event, but authorities are operating under a heightened threat level. He urged New Yorkers and tourists to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. Barriers have been erected around Times Square to restrict entry and exit and designate restricted areas. The New York City Police Department indicated that the operation for New Year's Eve will be larger than in previous years. The entire Police Department will be on duty from December 31st to January 1st because this is the largest event of the year. In addition, plainclothes police dog teams, mounted police, train and subway patrols, as well as drones and naval forces will be involved in the operation.
According to Thai News Agency, the test launch of the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square, New York City, was successfully completed yesterday, less than 48 hours before the countdown to New Year's Eve. The Constellation Ball, the largest New Year's Eve celebratory ball ever, weighs 5,600 kilograms and is adorned with crystals and 5,280 LED lights. The ball will remain lit until the final countdown, just seconds before midnight on December 31, 2025.
As London authorities prepare for the UK's biggest New Year's Eve fireworks display at midnight on Thursday, January 1st, fireworks will be launched from three ships anchored in the sea. The fireworks display along the River Thames, including from the London Eye, is being handled by Titanium Fireworks, which has been responsible for the music-synchronized fireworks show for 16 consecutive years. 10,000 fireworks will be loaded onto three cargo ships, while another 2,000 will be launched from the London Eye, the world's largest cantilevered Ferris wheel, standing 135 meters tall. Around 12,000 fireworks are expected to be launched throughout the 12-minute show.
However, the London Eye cannot set up its fireworks until after 6:00 PM on December 31st, forcing the team to race against time to get everything ready before the countdown to midnight.