Nigel Farage has said Britain’s departure from the EU was “the greatest moment in the modern history of our great nation”.
Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square in central London sung the national anthem while waving Union Jack flags as the clock struck 11pm on Friday.
Addressing the crowd from a stage before the 20 second countdown, Mr Farage said: “This is something that I fought for – for 27 years and something that many thousands of you gave your time and money for.
“We faced an established that didn’t even want to listen to us. An establishment that never wanted that referendum to take place. An establishment that tried for three and a half years to frustrate the will of the greatest democratic mandate ever seen.”
“Let us celebrate tonight as we have never done before. This is the greatest moment in the modern history of our great nation.”
At 11pm, bongs from Big Ben were played out through speakers. It was followed by a rendition of the national anthem, with the lyrics produced on a large screen above the stage.
The crowds had started arriving hours earlier, defying the rain to be present.
They had attempted to ride through to the rally, but Metropolitan Police officers formed a line to stop them from passing.
A police officer at the scene said the group quickly dispersed but officers were then called to the other side of the square as the same group tried again to enter the rally.
Earlier, a music system was set up on the back of a lorry on Parliament Street, with people dancing in a closed-off section of the road to music by Sir Tom Jones and Queen.
It belonged to David and Nancy Waller, who travelled from Shropshire to take part in the Brexit Celebration.
Mr Waller, 59, said the cart cost about £500 to restore and build, thanks to a “Brexiteer” blacksmith who donated his services free.
He said the bell, which people have been ringing throughout the evening, was found in a salvage yard but was originally forged at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London.
Mr Waller said: “We have come here because we are great supporters of democracy. At one stage we thought it was all over, but it ain’t now.”
Among the crowds were a group of French nationals who said they were jealous of Britain.
Waving a Frexit banner she added: “We need to get out of the dictatorship. The EU is imposing its authority measures and policies and we need to get out.”
France is full of conflict with riots every Saturday between the police and the people but the government are not doing anything, she added.
Asked if she supported Britain’s choice to leave, she said: “Yes, I am so jealous and I am here 100% backing them.”
Donna Jones said she believes Prime Minister Boris Johnson has “tried his best” and delivered “what’s best for the country”.
The 44-year-old from west London said she was there to “be part of history”.
She added: “I think it’s a good thing for Britain, I think we need to get our own laws back and I believe we have got the ability to do it.
“It doesn’t mean we’re anti-Europe, it just means we want to be self-sufficient in a certain way.”
Asked how she thinks EU nationals living in Britain would react, she said: “They might take it (Brexit) the wrong way because we have a certain group in England that is racist, they have got problems with the immigration but I don’t want them to think we are leaving because of them.
“We’re leaving because of the laws and the trade but we’re still their allies.”
