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Unicef was brought on board as an official partner of both the and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay event to support its campaign around New Year’s Resolutions for Children.
In a nod to the NGO’s logo colour, a minute of blue fireworks was released in both cities as part of the annual midnight displays. Key landmarks were also lit up blue, including The Shard, The Coca-Cola London Eye, Big Ben's clock face, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Scottish Academy.
The experience highlighted Unicef’s #HappyBlueYear initiative, which is encouraging the public to 'put their money where their mouth is' and pledge three pounds to help children caught up in the Syrian crisis over the winter.
The campaign is being promoted by a number of celebrities, including actors Olivia Coleman, Jack Whitehall and Ben Miller. The charity has also launched an app to support the campaign, which allows consumers to record a video of themselves singing a catchy tune with a specially-created blue mouth.
David Bull, executive director of Unicef UK, said: "It’s been an absolutely incredible night for Unicef both in London and in Edinburgh. Not only have we seen some of the most impressive fireworks displays in the world celebrating the arrival of 2016, we have also had thousands of resolutions made around the country to help children in danger have a brighter future."
The #HappyBlueYear campaign is ongoing, and the UK government is doubling any donation made.
For the 12th year, Jack Morton Worldwide worked with the Mayor’s office to produce the ticketed London event, which saw a heightened police presence heading into 2016. Brussels pulled the plug on its NYE fireworks show on 30 December following a "serious" threat of terrorism.
Read more about other global cities’ celebrations .
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