Thousands of people were lured into Birmingham city centre with the promise of a hoax New Year ‘fireworks spectacular’ by articles that could have been written by AI.
Blogs and social media posts online promoted a ‘spectacular midnight show’ in Centenary Square, despite no such fireworks display taking place in the city since 2016.
Locals and visitors alike were left confused after rumours of a display were shared online and in local groups.
Railway operator CrossCountry was among the websites to publish the false information, telling the public to expect ‘an unforgettable evening as England’s second city lights up the night sky with its magnificent fireworks display’.
Other well-known sites, including Day Out With The Kids, The Camping and Caravanning Club and Prima also published articles claiming official fireworks would be going ahead in the square.
West Midlands Police tried to warn the public that no fireworks would be let off in Centenary Square earlier on New Year’s Eve, but thousands still turned out hoping to start 2025 with a bang.
Analysis has now shown that blog posts rounding up the ‘best’ firework shows in the UK may in fact have been written by AI, the Times reports.
One-such article was published on December 19 and listed the fictional fireworks display in Birmingham as the third best New Year display, behind London and Edinburgh.
Blogs and social media posts online promoted a ‘spectacular midnight show’ in Centenary Square, despite no such fireworks display taking place in the city since 2016
Huge crowds gathered at Centenary Square in Birmingham on New Year’s Eve only to be told reports about a fireworks display were fake
Images show would-be spectators wrapped up warm and waiting for the show to begin before West Midlands Police revealed there would be nothing to see
Railway operator CrossCountry was among the sites to contain false information about the hoax firework display
It said attendees would be treated to a ‘mix of performances’ as well as local food vendors and the final fireworks display, all between 8pm and 12:30pm.
And a lengthy article on CrossCountry detailed delights tempting to many would-be revellers.
‘Join the biggest New Year’s celebration in the West Midlands at Birmingham’s stunning Centenary Square,’ the article, published on November 25, read.
‘This vibrant and modern space sets the stage for an unforgettable evening as England’s second city lights up the night sky with its magnificent fireworks display.
‘With a history of bringing together people from all walks of life, Birmingham offers the perfect atmosphere to welcome the new year surrounded by excitement, joy, and a spectacular show to remember.
‘Only a ten minute walk away from Birmingham New Street station, not only is this a mesmerising New Year’s fireworks celebration, but it is also super convenient to reach from a whole host of UK towns and cities with CrossCountry services.’
AI programmes can typically write an article in a matter of seconds, although do sometimes make mistakes.
Anyone can use AI sites such as ChatGPT and simply type in a brief instruction, for an entire article to be churned out.
When asked to write about the best firework displays in Britain, some of them include Birmingham, presumably relying on old articles from before 2016 as source information.
Once published online, other AI programmes – and real humans – may be duped into believing the article is a legitimate and factual source.
When asked by MailOnline to produce an article on New Year celebrations in the UK’s main cities, ChatGPT provided several paragraphs stating there would be fireworks in Birmingham.
Analysis reportedly shows some of the articles were written by AI programmes
Witnesses reported people being ‘packed in like sardines’ at Centenary Square in Birmingham
Rumours of the display spread rapidly online and were shared in local social media groups
Meanwhile crowds in London were far from disappointed following a ‘world-first’ Paddington Bear cameo appearance within the London Eye
Fireworks light up the sky over Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, and the London Eye in central London during the New Year celebrations
The fireworks included a projection of the Union Jack on to the London Eye, as well as red, white and blue sparks
Images from Birmingham on Wednesday show would-be spectators wrapped up warm and waiting for the show to begin.
Earlier in the day West Mercia Police had issued a warning to those heading to Birmingham to avoid disappointment.
Birmingham Superintendent Emlyn Richards said: ‘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 police warning, thousands thronged the square as police officers turned up to inform them no display was happening.
One witness told the Times entire families, many with children, were ‘packed like sardines’ ahead of the bogus event.
Firework displays elsewhere in the UK left thousands treated to a cheerful start to 2025.
In London, the traditional display on the banks of the River Thames involving the London Eye went ahead and this year included a holographic image of Paddington Bear.
But around the country other planned events, including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, were cancelled due to poor weather.
CrossCountry has been contacted for comment.
