Sydney takes seriously its position as one of the first major cities in the world to ring in each new year and plans to celebrate in its typical showy fashion.
Advertisement
Extra armed police out in London for New Year’s Eve
Horns blared and crowds cheered as the tower was then lit up with fireworks, with colours shifting from green to red to white. More than 100,000 people are expected to turn up to see the fireworks in London , which is a ticketed event.
Despite the police statement, thousands of people were on the streets of Munich at midnight to welcome the new year with fireworks.
Basu: Japan’s apologies on ‘comfort women’ not enough
Beijing-based activist Tong Zeng said that the agreement between Seoul and Tokyo was “a really big shock” for China. The landmark deal between Korea and Japan over the thorny issue of sex slaves is facing a strong backlash in Korea.
Bleary-eyed revellers across Australia are waking up to 2016 after again proving beyond any doubt why the country is world-famous for its new year celebrations.
York flood victims’ homes targeted by looters
The River Ouse peaked at over 5 metres above its typical level, while the River Foss has hit record heights. I don’t feel too anxious because we are higher up and I’d rather that people in need were rescued.
Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore and other Asian cities may rival Sydney’s pyrotechnic splash, but Brunei will offer a sober evening after banning Christmas in a shift to hardline Islamic law.
Brussels’ mayor has canceled the Belgian capital’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration because of a terror threat as several cities around the world ramped up security. Suicide vests and explosives were found during police searches.
New Year fireworks and festivities have been cancelled in the Belgian capital Brussels because of an alert.
Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said it was “better not to take risks” in announcing the cancelation of the city’s New Year’s activities.
The French are still recovering from the November 13 attacks that left 130 people dead in Paris, and authorities are preparing for a possible worst-case scenario on New Year’s Eve. Gen. Anton Charliyan said security is focused on anticipating attacks in vulnerable regions including the capital, Jakarta, the tourist resort of Bali and restive West Papua, where President Joko Widodo is celebrating the New Year. She says, “We still have this fear, but we need to continue to live”.
Moscow’s Red Square, a traditional gathering place to ring in the new year, was closed Thursday.
Russian Federation has been the target of terrorist attacks during the holidays in recent years.
In Madrid, thousands of people will flock to Puerta del Sol square, however police will limit the number allowed in to just 25,000. About 60,000 police and troops will be deployed across the country today.
It’s the second year running that the festivities have been cancelled, and it comes after a stampede killed 36 people and injured 49 as 300,000 revelers gathered for a fireworks and laser display by the Huangpu River on the final day of 2013.
Approximately one million people welcomed 2016 at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany’s capital, Berlin.
Egypt has been in turmoil since the 2011 uprising but was further hit by the Oct 31 crash of a Russian airliner over the Sinai killing 224 people.
On the nearby Gaza Strip, the Islamist group Hamas has banned public New Year’s Eve parties, for being “incompatible with our customs, traditions, values and the teachings of our religion”.
In New York City, despite a pledge of tight security for Times Square, another million people are expected to turn out to see the ball descend.
Beijing’s shopping and restaurant areas are under a security alert and the police presence is heavier than normal.
Happy New Year! Welcome to the Herald’s photo and video round-up of New Year celebrations from around the world.
The Met confirmed New Year’s Eve was one of two events – along with Notting Hill Carnival – in which there was no holiday entitlement, meaning all available staff were called upon.
Advertisement
South Koreans checked New Year’s Eve with customary ringer ringing functions, firecrackers and outside music and move exhibitions.
