… And once again, the Mayor of London’s iconic New Year’s Eve display at the London Eye will be a ticketed event. Whilst this may not come as too much of a surprise to the capital’s 8m residents (it’ll be the 2^nd year that tickets have been required), it does mean a likely almighty scrabble when the tickets go on sale on June 19^th and disappointment for those who miss out.

But while the annual display is the UK’s largest, all is not lost if you can’t get a golden ticket. Some of the premium viewing spots might now be reserved, but there are still plenty of other options, and plenty of prime vantage points from which you can catch the best of the night’s fireworks without a ticket or the £10 price.

Tower Bridge, which is just around the bend from the ticketed viewing areas has great views but be prepared to get there early to stand a chance of a decent view. It’s a popular viewing spot, and gets packed out quickly, but if you can get an unobstructed view, it’s definitely worth the effort. Southwark Bridge and the Millennium Bridge are even closer but what you gain here in viewing potential, you lose in comfort as they’re very narrow spaces. Cannon Street is outside of the ticketed area but still a great central riverside location to enjoy the city scenery. But with an estimated 250,000 people heading into the city to watch the fireworks, it pays to consider spots slightly further away. To the West, Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge make good albeit slightly more distinct viewing options. And for the big picture, try Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill in the North West. Given that you’re much further away from the action, it’s a panoramic rather than an immersive experience, but it’s a magical view nonetheless and you have the added bonus of being able to see hundreds of other smaller displays going off in unison when Big Ben chimes.

And it’s also worth remembering that whilst Capital Hall’s might be the biggest display in town, it isn’t the only one. If fighting the crowds, queuing for loos and over-priced mulled wine doesn’t appeal, consider a home display. With time restrictions lifted for the night, allowing for displays until 1am, it’s a great way for the whole family to see in the New Year together without the need to buy a ticket, brave the underground, or fight the crowds. And you can always catch the South Bank display on the BBC afterwards with great, unobstructed views guaranteed.

So if tickets go at an expected lightening speed on June 19^th, and you’re left without, you can still look forward to a great NYE 2015.

Video Clip of London NYE Fireworks:  https://youtu.be/SXk-7tA21Kw