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Throngs pack into Times Square for annual New Year’s bash

Revelers have begun to fill New York City’s Times Square in the hours before the midnight ball drop, resolving to celebrate New Year’s Eve despite headlines of extremist attacks around the world and a heavy security presence.

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Partygoers from around the world had waited hours at the famed Manhattan crossroads – some since before dawn – for the countdown.


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On Thursday, New York canceled its firework celebration for this year so that more police could be deployed on patrol.


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Brian Peckbur, left, kisses his girlfriend Deobra Dubois, both from Tampa, Fla., as they ring in the new year at Times Square, Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, in NY. Homeland Security officials have said they’re aware of threats against the US during the holiday, but said those threats were vague and weren’t corroborated by other intelligence.

CNN reports that about 6,000 police officers will fan out around Times Square for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration there, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. Tactical officers spied from rooftops and a hovering helicopter. Serious security:Some in the crowd admitted to being nervous to gather in such a famous location in the weeks after the Paris and San Bernardino attacks.

NBC: 8-10 p.m., “A Toast to 2015!” with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb; 10-11 p.m., “New Year’s Eve Game Night”, celebrities playing games; 11:30-12:30, “New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly”.

Ashley Watters, 18, a freshman at Temple University hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, called the threat of terrorism “the elephant in the room”. “These guys do a great job, I came here when a lot of people were afraid to come, but I don’t even care because I know I’m going to be safe”, one reveler said.

The evening also featured a party of musical acts – including Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwood.

This year’s Times Square ball will feature an incredible array of 2,688 pieces of crystal triangles, which should ensure a light spectacle for millions at the event and watching live on TV around the world.

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Paola Duran, a visitor from Algeria, said: “I think we are very secure in America right now, especially tonight, especially after what happened across the world”. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson Revelers look up as they wait to take part in New Year’s Eve festivities in the Times Square area of New York December 31, 2015.

New Year's Eve Times Square