Last year’s fireworks at the London Eye were watched by more than 200,000 spectators Crowds are lining the banks of the Thames in central London ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, which are expected to be seen by up to 250,000 spectators at midnight.
The eight-minute display will have a musical soundtrack for the first time.
Thousands of people have gathered on Victoria Embankment and the South Bank, while nearby Tube stations and bus stops face restrictions.
Supt Julia Pendry of the Metropolitan Police said it was already “very busy”.
Many people may become very disappointed if they did not set out early, she said, and asked spectactors to consider using Tube stations away from the main fireworks areas to reduce congestion.
“It’s obviously very mild so lots of people have come to London,” she added.
“We want Londoners and all visitors to the capital to be able to welcome the new year in a safe and crime-free environment.”
The organiser of the celebrations, James Donald, said the display would consist of “really high-energy fireworks” at the London Eye, which opened in 2000.
He said BBC Radio 1 DJ Nihal had created a dynamic soundtrack of “cool tunes”.
The firework display will begin over Westminster as the chimes of Big Ben sound at midnight The show – which has taken five months of planning – will bring to life more of “the character of London” than in previous years, Mr Donald added.
London Ambulance Service staff are preparing for one of their busiest nights of the year, expecting more than 500 calls an hour.
Deputy director of operations Jason Killens asked people to “use the ambulance service wisely and only call us in a genuine emergency”.
“Don’t call the ambulance service simply because you’re drunk, when you’re looking to go home.”
Revellers can travel for free on Tube, bus, tram and train services run by Transport for London from 2345 GMT until 0430 GMT, but valid tickets are needed on national rail services.
Later on Saturday more than 500,000 people are expected to watch London’s new year parade, which is marking its 25th anniversary.
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