Overview
- The display included an official partnership with Universal Pictures, featuring green and pink effects, projections of Elphaba and Glinda on and around the London Eye, and a recorded message from Cynthia Erivo as “Defying Gravity” played.
- Viewers on social media complained the segment felt like advertising and highlighted the lack of expected tributes, including none for Ozzy Osbourne.
- Mayor Sadiq Khan said the event celebrated London’s diversity and marked 2025 milestones such as women’s rugby and football triumphs and Europe’s Ryder Cup victory.
- Organisers cited more than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lights, about 100,000 spectators along the Thames, and millions watching worldwide, with hologauze used for projected visuals.
- PinkNews reported the celebration was expected to add roughly £14 million to London’s economy.