Sky News at Ten | New Year's Eve | Wednesday 31 December 2025

Key Concepts

• New Year's Celebrations: Global coverage of New Year's Eve celebrations, focusing on Athens, Kyiv, Moscow, London, Edinburgh, and various cities in Asia and Australia.
• Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Updates on the ongoing conflict, including President Zelenskyy’s and President Putin’s New Year’s addresses.
• London Fireworks Display: Details about the theme, planning, security, and potential celebrity appearances at the London New Year's Eve fireworks.
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay: Coverage of the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, Scotland, including weather conditions and attendee demographics.
• Sydney Terror Attack Reflection: Reporting on Sydney’s New Year’s celebrations, which included a moment of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
• Iran Protests: Updates on ongoing protests in Iran related to economic hardship and government policies.
• Royal Family News: Queen Camilla’s disclosure of a teenage assault and its significance, alongside broader context of increased openness within the Royal Family.
• Gaza Aid Crisis: Israel’s suspension of aid agencies operating in Gaza and the potential consequences for Palestinian civilians.
• Football Transfer & Finances: A retrospective look at Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s transfer from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid, focusing on financial details and player perspectives.

New Year's Celebrations & Global Events - Sky News at 10

Global New Year's Eve Celebrations

The broadcast began with coverage of New Year’s Eve celebrations across the globe. Athens, Greece, was among the first major cities to welcome 2026 with a fireworks display. Contrasting scenes were shown in Kyiv, Ukraine, where celebrations were muted due to the ongoing conflict. New Zealand’s Auckland kicked off festivities with a display at the Sky Tower, featuring a 10-second countdown. Celebrations also took place in Seoul (bell-tolling ceremony), Tokyo (108 bell rings at Zojo Gi Temple), Taiwan (Taipei 101 Tower fireworks), Malaysia (Petronas Twin Towers), Bangkok (river barge display), China (Great Wall show with synchronized drumming and drones), Dubai (Burj Khalifa fireworks and drone show with a 66-inch diameter firework shell – a potential world record attempt), and Doha (drone show and illuminations). Sydney, Australia, held a poignant celebration, incorporating a moment of reflection for the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Ukraine and Russia – New Year’s Addresses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a New Year’s address stating his desire for the war to end, but “not at any cost,” asserting that Ukraine will not surrender. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his address, expressed support for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, stating, “You have taken the responsibility to fight for your native land, for truth and justice.” He emphasized national unity and belief in victory.

London & Edinburgh Celebrations – Detailed Coverage

London Fireworks – “Togetherness” Theme

Katie Spencer reported live from central London, detailing the preparations for the largest firework display in Europe. The theme for this year’s display is “togetherness,” incorporating significant sporting moments of the past year, including the Lionesses’ victory and red roses for rugby. Speculation surrounds a potential appearance by an actor from a recent film sequel, with Cynthia Erivo (from Wicked) being a possible candidate. Planning for the display began in July, with technicians working on rigging and laser testing up until the last minute. Security is a major concern, with a large policing operation in place following recent incidents, including the attack on a synagogue in Manchester and an incident on Bondi Beach. London Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the importance of security due to London’s diversity and values. Approximately 100,000 tickets have been sold for the event, with millions expected to watch from home.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – Weather Relief

Connor Gillis reported from Edinburgh, Scotland, where the Hogmanay celebrations are taking place after being disrupted by bad weather last year. The weather is currently clear and crisp, with 10,000 fireworks planned over Edinburgh Castle in a 10-minute display. Approximately 50,000 people are attending the street party, with attendees traveling from as far as Gibraltar, Spain, and Sweden. Interviewees expressed excitement about experiencing the cold weather and the unique atmosphere of Hogmanay.

Middle East & Royal Family – Significant Developments

Gaza Aid Crisis – Israel’s Suspension of Agencies

Israel has suspended 37 aid agencies from operating in Gaza for failing to comply with new registration rules requiring detailed information about aid workers and funding sources. Israel claims these rules are intended to prevent Hamas infiltration, but charities fear Palestinian employees will be targeted.

Queen Camilla’s Assault Disclosure

Queen Camilla publicly revealed for the first time that she was assaulted on a train as a teenager, describing the experience as leaving her “very angry.” She shared this story in an interview with the BBC, inspired by the bravery of the Hunt family. The Queen’s disclosure is considered significant due to her advocacy for causes related to violence and domestic abuse. This revelation comes amidst a broader trend of increased openness within the Royal Family regarding personal issues, following health disclosures from the King and the Princess of Wales.

Iran Protests & Football Finance – Additional Reports

Iran Protests – Economic Discontent

Protests continue in Iran for a fourth day, fueled by the cost of living crisis and a plummeting currency. Demonstrators are targeting symbols of the state, and police are using tear gas to disperse crowds. President Raisi stated the country is in a “full-scale war” with its enemies and called for national unity.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Transfer – Financial Analysis

A retrospective report focused on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s transfer from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid. The report highlighted the significant financial profit Chelsea made on the deal – buying him for £2 million and selling him for £12 million in two years (a sixfold return). Hasselbaink refuted claims that he demanded to be the highest-paid player in the Premier League, stating that reported figures were inaccurate. The report included perspectives from former Chelsea managers and players, emphasizing Hasselbaink’s quality as a striker.

Conclusion

The Sky News at 10 broadcast provided a comprehensive overview of global events on New Year’s Eve, ranging from celebratory displays to ongoing conflicts and significant political and social developments. The report highlighted the contrasting realities of celebration and hardship, while also showcasing important personal stories and financial analyses. The broadcast underscored the interconnectedness of global events and the importance of continued reporting on critical issues.