Tickets for the Mayor of London’s annual fireworks show are released today at 12pm.

The highly-coveted event sees thousands of Londoners gather along the banks of the Thames to see in the New Year.

Fireworks and lights will illuminate the London skyline, while music blares across the capital in what has been described as “one of the most important moments in our city’s cultural calendar”.

But tickets for the annual occasion sell out fast every year, with many unlucky Londoners relegated to watching from home.

Lord Sadiq Khan is urging Londoners to buy their tickets “as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on experiencing the best New Year’s Eve fireworks show in the world.”

He added in a statement: “Nowhere in the world brings in the new year like London. Every year our unique display of fireworks, lighting and music shows off the very best of London, as around 100,000 Londoners and visitors line the banks of the River Thames and millions watch on around the world.”

So, if you’re planning on attending and are keen to get a ticket, here is everything you need to know.

The first batch of tickets will go on sale at midday on October 23.

This is your best chance of securing a ticket as it's when the majority will go on sale. A final and smaller batch of tickets will go on sale nearer the time.

Tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster and only these tickets will be accepted. There are plenty of falsely advertised tickets online through other vendors and outlets, but only those bought through Ticketmaster will be valid.

The ticket gives you access to the specially designated viewing areas and anyone without a ticket won’t be able to enter.

It’s also worth noting that reselling is strictly prohibited - meaning there’s no point heading down on the day and hoping you get lucky.

If you need to resell your tickets, there is an authorised method through the Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale platform.

To get ahead of the rush, punters should make a Ticketmaster account in advance.

Ticket prices are £20 and £35 for Londoners, depending on the viewing area you select.

For those who live outside the capital, the tickets are slightly dearer at £40 and £55.

The higher rate tickets give you access to Category A viewing areas, which include Waterloo Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and Victoria Embankment, while the lower rate tickets have access to Belvedere Road and Albert Embankment.

There’s a postcode verification process during the booking process which is based on the card used to book.

Those with tickets will have access to one of six different viewing areas - all designated by colour.

You can pick your zone provided there are tickets, but remember, you won’t be able to move between zones so choose wisely.

You’ll be able to access the vantage points from around 8pm on December 31, though official timings have not yet been shared.

Usually, there is a last entry time too.

You’ll want to eat before heading to watch the Mayor’s New Year's Eve fireworks.

There are usually some small vendors selling food, but lines can be long and prices can be steep.

You can bring in some alcoholic beverages, but there are strict guidelines on quantities.

In previous years, you have only been allowed to bring in two cans of beer or wine per person and glass bottles have been banned.

If you think tickets have sold out, don’t panic. Stay on the Ticketmaster page and be patient. Tickets often show up as sold out when they are in people’s baskets but will be re-released when people do not complete their transactions.

According to social media, the Blue Zone is the most highly sought-after. It offers views right over Victoria Embankment.

But real Londoners know that the Embankment is lined with trees, meaning that you could get stuck with a poor view if you don’t plan properly. Either arrive with plenty of time or opt for the White Zone, which offers views right next to Big Ben.