London New Year fireworks display will be replaced by a “broadcast spectacular” and Trafalgar Square event after the show was scrapped due to Covid uncertainty.

The event, set to be shown live exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, will celebrate the capital and highlight the defining moments of 2021.

The programme will include a special live choir, and look ahead to the best of 2022 – including London hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 amongst other highlights.

For the first time ever, Trafalgar Square will be the setting for a ticketed celebration event, including live music, stage performers, food stalls and a large screen showing the live broadcast.

Tickets to the event on New Year’s Eve, which is subject to licensing application approval, will be awarded to applicants through a lottery, or ballot, system.

The uncertainty caused by the pandemic, particularly around mass gatherings, has meant that London’s usual fireworks event was cancelled.

However, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is encouraging people to make the most of the city’s bars, clubs, restaurants, and other attractions to ring in the New Year.

The capital’s bridges, buildings and trees will be illuminated along the South Bank – as part of the mayor’s Let’s Do London Winter Lights’ Season – and the city’s famous Christmas lights, ice rinks and festive markets will also be open.

Mr Khan said: “This year, as well as a brand-new celebration event in Trafalgar Square, we can look forward to a live broadcast spectacular which will showcase our magnificent city on BBC One.

“London is simply magical during these winter months and after all we have endured as a city we have every reason to celebrate as we look ahead to the new year.” ES

The President today revoked an Executive Order, thereby terminating the Burundi sanctions program and related visa restrictions.  As a result, the sanctions and visa restrictions imposed on the eleven individuals designated under this program have been lifted.  This decision reflects the changed circumstances in Burundi and President Ndayishimiye’s pursuit of reforms across multiple sectors over the past year.

The United States acknowledges the transition of power following Burundian elections in 2020 and reforms being pursued across multiple sectors.  We recognize the progress made by President Ndayishimiye on addressing trafficking in persons, economic reforms, and combatting corruption and encourage continued progress.  Today’s action underscores that U.S. sanctions are responsive to changes in circumstance and may be lifted following positive steps.

A robust civil society is critical to building a peaceful, inclusive future for the benefit of the Burundian people and is a key partner in pressing for continued reforms.  The United States remains firmly committed to supporting human rights defenders, independent media, and other civil society groups that promote transparency and accountability for those responsible for corruption, human rights violations, and abuses.  The United States, along with partners and allies, will continue to press the Government of Burundi to improve the human rights situation in the country and use other appropriate tools to do so.  This includes work with the new UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Burundi. - ANTONY J. BLINKEN, US SECRETARY OF STATE

Refugee and artisan, Kapya Kitungwa, 44, from Tanganyika Province in Democratic Republic of the Congo, carves wooden holiday ornaments for Made51 from his workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo UNHCR/Will Swanson

Please see below statement from Refugees International Senior Fellow Sarah Miller:

“Refugees International welcomes President Kenyatta’s signing of the Refugees Bill into law today. The law will improve Kenya’s refugee response by working toward a whole-of-government approach and unlocking the potential for refugees in the country to contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy. 

Kenya has hosted some of the world's largest numbers of refugees for decades—more than 500,000. These refugees bring skills, knowledge, and experience that can help to build Kenya’s economy and offset the challenges incurred by the pandemic. 

Kenya should pursue a refugee response that prioritizes the human rights of refugees, working to improve their access to health care, education and livelihood opportunities. This will allow both refugees and their Kenyan hosts to thrive.”

For more information, contact Refugees International Director of Communications Sarah Sheffer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 202 540 7029. - Sarah Miller