For the first time, the Old Royal Naval College in London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich played host to the main spectacle in the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve broadcast show, with fireworks, lasers and lights illuminating the skies above one of London’s most popular visitor attractions.

The thirteen-minute dynamic broadcast show, as seen live on BBC One at midnight on New Year’s Eve and broadcast to a global audience, saw London welcome in 2022 in a playful and inspiring way featuring displays and performances that took place across the city, celebrating its diverse cultural heritage and spreading a message of hope and positivity for the new year.

The display above Greenwich included fireworks, lighting and 500 drones, synchronised by GPS, lighting up the skies above the Old Royal Naval College to music from Elton John, Dua Lipa and Blur, alongside words from Sir Ian McKellen, England Manager Gareth Southgate and the Mayor of London.

Shakespeare’s Globe, Old Royal Naval College, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge and Big Ben were part of a unique live broadcast event.

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of Old Royal Naval College, said; “We are thrilled that the magnificent Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, is the backdrop for London’s innovative New Year’s Eve firework and lights display this year.”

“The broadcast spectacularly showcases this extraordinary cultural destination and architectural wonder at the heart of Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. We are so proud that the Old Royal Naval College’s breath-taking buildings and iconic riverside setting make up this defining moment at the end of 2021 for the whole world to enjoy.”

“Our team of staff and volunteers did not standstill in 2021 and hosted incredible artistic and cultural events like  Gaia and A Christmas Carol in the Painted Hall, outdoor cinema and Greenwich+Docklands International Festival in the summer. We will welcome in 2022 with the same enthusiasm and we hope our forthcoming activities will inspire people from near and far to come and spend a day exploring our awe-inspiring buildings, riverside grounds and fascinating history.”

The display included extensive lights and fireworks as well as live performances for the first time. Jack Morton, the global brand experience agency, created and produced the live show with the Mayor of London and collaborated with a talented team of creative and technical specialists to bring the show to millions of homes, via a live broadcast on the BBC.