The New Year's concert planned on the Champs-Élysées in Paris will not take place this year, following a decision by the Paris police prefecture citing security risks. The fireworks display will proceed, accompanied by projections on the Arc de Triomphe and pre-recorded concert sequences broadcast on television. The cancellation has elicited mixed reactions from Parisian officials.
The City of Paris had proposed organizing a live concert on the Champs-Élysées on December 31, similar to the 2023 and 2024 editions, but the Paris police prefecture refused the initiative on December 1, as indicated by the city hall to AFP. When questioned, the prefecture did not respond to requests for comment.
According to Jeanne d’Hauteserre, the LR mayor of the 8th arrondissement, the prefecture justified its decision by citing “unpredictable crowd movements” on the avenue, which “is not designed to host this kind of event where people move around.” The official approves this precautionary measure.
Paris city hall highlights the success of previous concerts, described as having a “good-natured and family-friendly spirit,” with no alcohol allowed, attracting one million people last year, half of whom came from abroad. These events contribute to Paris's “cultural and festive radiance,” according to the city.
Communist senator Ian Brossat expressed regret over this “incomprehensible” cancellation, “without public explanation from the Paris police prefecture.” He questions: “Our city managed to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year, one of the largest global events, under remarkable security conditions. How could it be unable today to maintain a concert whose organization has been perfectly established for years?”
Despite the cancellation, the fireworks display is confirmed, with projections on the Arc de Triomphe, including one referencing the January 4 derby between Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC. Pre-recorded concert sequences, filmed notably at Place de la Concorde, will be broadcast on France 2 on the evening of December 31, complemented by the live fireworks at 11:50 p.m., “to offer everyone a musical and magical show,” according to France Télévisions.