London pays tribute to figures of 2020 as some ignore Covid restrictions to see in new year

London welcomed the dawn of 2021 - or perhaps the end of 2020 - with a dazzling light and fireworks show on the Thames, including tributes to the NHS and notable figures from the year of Covid-19.

As the BBC-televised display began, a male voice recited a poem that set the theme: "In the year of 2020 a new virus came our way; We knew what must be done and so to help we hid away."

Amid the fireworks, several images filled the sky over the O2 Arena formed through the use of 300 drones, one of which showed the NHS logo in a love-heart while a child's voice said "Thank you NHS heroes".

A later tribute came for BAME NHS workers - "so many of the nurses and doctors and consultants and cleaners, the helping hands guiding us through this storm".

London mayor Sadiq Khan said although crowds along the river were this year banned due to Covid restrictions, the display had reflected the resolve of Londoners to endure despite the pandemic.

"I'm proud that the eyes of the world turned to our capital to see a unique drone, lighting and firework show that reflected on the defining moments of this year, paid tribute to our NHS heroes and the way that Londoners continue to stand together, and showed why our city is the greatest in the world," Mr Khan said.

"We showed how our capital and the UK have made huge sacrifices to support one another through these difficult times, and how they will continue to do so as the vaccine is rolled out."

There was a special mention during the display for one of the more remarkable identities of 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised £33 million pounds by walking in his back garden.

A huge drone-formed outline of the familiar sight of Captain Sir Tom standing at his walking frame and giving a thumbs-up shone over the arena, backed by a chorus of voices calling "Thanks Captain Tom".

The 10-minute display also featured a humorous nod to one of the "new normals" of 2020 - working from home. The sounds of a video conference call starting up were heard, before the now-familiar and somewhat desperate words rang out - "No, you're on mute!" - as a mute logo filled the night sky.

As coloured lights shone at various points up the Thames, leading to more fireworks above Wembley Stadium, the Black Lives Matter movement was also recognised.

Viewers saw its clenched-fist symbol, which became recognised worldwide amid the protests which followed the death of Minnesota man George Floyd in police custody in May.

Finally, the show ended with a ecological rallying call in the much-loved voice of Sir David Attenborough, reminding all of a reality shown so starkly in the past 12 months - the fragility of life on earth.

"Our planet is unique - a living world of diversity and wonder," Sir David said.

"It's also fragile.

"With a new year comes the opportunity for change, and if we act in 2021 we can make a world of difference.

"Together we can turn things around. Together we can restore our fragile home, and make it a happy new year for all the inhabitants of planet Earth."

Also in the lead-up to the very end of 2020, Big Ben bonged to represent Brexit.

Writing in The Telegraph on the first day of 2021, the Prime Minister offered people some hope during the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions, which forced people around the world to tone down their New Year celebrations.

Boris Johnson wrote: "As you gaze out at this January of continuing plague and privation you may be tempted to give way to despair. But before you shoot your head back under the covers - let me offer some grounds for thinking that this New Year really is a year of change, and hope.

"I am absolutely confident that with the right energy and determination we can this year seize opportunities to transform our country – opportunities unknown to modern memory."

Police had urged people to follow the rules as they bid farewell to 2020 in the middle of a pandemic.

Metropolitan Police Commander Paul Brogden warned: “The public are all too aware that Tier 4 restrictions have been put in place to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect the NHS. I would urge everyone to exercise caution, listen to government advice and celebrate the new year in the comfort of their own homes, not the homes of family and friends.”

Officers were deployed across London, "supporting communities and focusing strongly on the few people intent on breaching and ignoring the guidance put in place to keep everyone safe".

Police had tweeted a reminder for people to celebrate in their own home on December 31, "not with others".

"This New Year's Eve will be very different: there will be no fireworks, bars and pubs will remain closed, there will be a limited service on some routes, please don't travel into central London," they said on Twitter.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said that the lack of options for people to mark the end of 2020 caused by the coronavirus restrictions would cause people to mix indoors with the potential for “millions of people converging across the UK”.

The New Year shutdown of pubs and venues would lead to 5,000 illegal parties and raves, the NTIA warned.

Footage emerged on social media of people ignoring the restrictions on New Year's Eve.

Police were forced to disperse crowds of people who had flocked into the capital, disregarding social distancing and some without masks.

Police in Norfolk  had to deal with "an unlawful event after it was discovered being set up on Hall Road in Ludham" on Thursday evening.

Generator equipment was seized and motorists were told to avoid the area as officers dispersed the incident "in a safe and controlled manner".

"As cases of coronavirus rise across the county, officers will continue to take firm action against these kinds of gatherings, which breach public health regulations, including the use of fines," Norfolk Police said.

In Edinburgh, small numbers of people turned out on Carlton Hill to view a fireworks display, while Hogmanay organisers worked around stay-at-home recommendations by releasing videos of "drone swarms" forming images above the city's landmarks.

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