British media reports indicate that scammers on social media enticed thousands to Centenary Square, promising a fireworks show, only for police to disperse the crowds after midnight.
Images captured numerous party-goers bundled up, awaiting the spectacle, before West Midlands Police announced that it was a hoax.
Social media posts, allegedly driven by artificial intelligence, suggested a massive display was to occur just after midnight in the city center.
The police had issued warnings earlier to counteract the rumors but were overwhelmed by the turnout.
At midnight, some attendees cheered, and one firework was set off, but no official display took place.
Birmingham has not hosted an official fireworks event for over ten years.
West Midlands Police stated online: “We’re aware of speculation of a New Year’s Eve fireworks display taking place in Birmingham’s Centenary Square tonight – but we can confirm this is not the case.
“We don’t want people travelling unnecessarily into the city centre tonight to be left disappointed after discovering the event isn’t taking place.
“Thousands of revellers will be coming into Birmingham to enjoy the celebrations at bars and venues across the city and that’s why we will have a large visible presence in the city to ensure celebrations go smoothly.”
Birmingham Superintendent, Emlyn Richards, stated: “There are rumours online that a fireworks display will take place in Centenary Square but there isn’t a planned event this year.
“We don’t want people travelling into the city to be disappointed when they arrive and discover this is the case.
“There will be thousands of people travelling into the city to enjoy themselves at venues across the city.
“We will be visible on the streets tonight to ensure everything runs smoothly and people have a wonderful evening.”
Despite the disappointment in Birmingham, other UK locations enjoyed numerous organized events, with millions amazed by London’s renowned animations along the River Thames.
The London display also included a first-time appearance by Paddington Bear on the London Eye, along with tributes to notable events from 2024.
However, adverse weather led to cancellations in several major cities and venues, such as Edinburgh, Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight.