Events agency Identity worked with the Greater London Authority to produce London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks event, which sold more than 100,000 tickets and involved two shows running simultaneously.

Organised by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the 12-minute show included 12,000 fireworks from Titanium Fireworks, 400 drones from Celestial, lighting designed by Tim Routledge and music directed by Kojo Samuel and On The Sly.

Identity, which delivered the event for the first time, worked with the Greater London Authority to develop the ‘with love from London’ theme. The agency produced two shows: the South Bank spectacle to a live audience and an enhanced drone display on Horse Guards Parade.

The event highlighted the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory, 50 years of London’s Pride and showed solidarity with Ukraine. Drones paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and honoured King Charles III along with news and voice clips from The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Dame Judi Dench and Peter Tatchell from the Gay Liberation Front.

Identity said planning for the show started in July with soundtrack development, followed by pyrotechnics design, lighting design and programming.

The show set-up started off-site before Christmas and moved on-site to central London from 27 December. Identity had a core team of 55 people on the ground who were responsible for final preparations including rigging the lighting and pyrotechnics on the London Eye. More than 25 tonnes of equipment were used to rig the pyrotechnic effects, using 18 kilometres of cable and wire and three pyro barges in place in front of the attraction.

Identity project director Hannah Clark said, “Identity would like to thank the many stakeholders involved in supporting us on the delivery of this major event and the general public for its amazing response to the show as a global spotlight fell on the capital, sharing ‘with love from London’ with the world.”

Sadiq Khan said, “I’m delighted that Londoners and visitors to the capital were once again able to join together on the banks of the River Thames to welcome in the new year with our best ever celebration. Millions from around the world also watched our unique show, which brought together fireworks, drones, lighting and music to remember key moments in 2022 and look ahead to 2023.

“I’m proud that we have sent a message of love, hope and unity and I am excited for 2023 as we continue to build a better, fairer and more prosperous city for everyone.”