Hundreds of people were duped into attending a non-existent New Year fireworks display in Birmingham city centre for the second year in a row.
Huge crowds braved freezing temperatures to gather in Centenary Square last night excited to welcome 2026 – only to be told that the adverts were fake.
Videos shared on TikTok show would-be spectators packed on the streets with their phones out waiting for the show to begin.
However, disappointed revellers were later seen filing out of the area – with no fireworks in sight.
Police officers were on hand telling those who made their way down to the event that it was not happening.
It comes after thousands of people descended on Centenary Square for a similar non-existent firework display last year.
Analysis of those adverts found that blog posts rounding up the ‘best’ firework shows in the UK may have been written by AI and were based off out-of-date information.
Hundreds of people were duped into attending a non-existent New Year fireworks display in Birmingham city centre for the second year in a row
Videos shared on TikTok show would-be spectators packed on the streets with their phones out waiting for the show to begin
Huge crowds braved the freezing temperatures to gather in Centenary Square last night excited to welcome 2026 – only to be told that the adverts were fake
AI programmes can typically write an article in a matter of seconds, although they do sometimes make mistakes.
New Year’s fireworks have not been held in Birmingham city centre since 2017 but the event is repeatedly included in roundups of the best displays in the UK.
One advert this year said the event would run between 8pm and 12.30pm.
It read: ‘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.’
Earlier this week, West Midlands Police addressed rumours of a firework display in Birmingham and issued a warning to those planning on heading there.
A spokesperson said: ‘There are no official firework displays or city-organised events happening in Birmingham city centre on New Year’s Eve.
‘Every year, rumours start to spread online about big celebrations in the city. Unfortunately, these false claims often lead to confusion and disappointment.
Pictured: One of the social media posts advertising the event. It is believed some round-ups of firework events may have been written by AI
Earlier this week, West Midlands Police addressed rumours of a firework display in Birmingham and issued a warning to those heading there
A New Year’s display has not been held in Birmingham city centre since 2017 but adverts for the fireworks are repeatedly posted online
‘Last year, for example, we were made aware of posts that circulated about a spectacular show in Centenary Square.
‘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.
‘If you see posts or comments on social media suggesting there will be fireworks or large-scale events in Birmingham on New Year’s Eve, please treat them with caution.
‘These claims are not true.
‘If you’re unsure, please let us know. We’re here to help clarify and stop misinformation from spreading.
‘Why does this matter? Because misinformation can create real safety issues in the city.
‘When large crowds gather for an event that doesn’t exist, it puts pressure on public transport, emergency services, and can lead to congestion in the city centre.
‘We’re asking you to please only share accurate information from trusted sources. Help us keep Birmingham safe and enjoyable for everyone this New Year’s Eve.
‘We’ll have officers on high visibility patrols over Christmas and New Year’s to keep everyone safe.’
