New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the sky over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Australia, New Zealand and the pacific nation of Kiribati are just some of the first countries to welcome in the New Year across the globe.
More than a million people have gathered at Sydney’s famous waterfront to watch the spectacular firework display.
It is the first restriction-free New Year’s Eve in the city after two years of Covid measures.
Curbs on celebrations have been lifted this year after Australia, like many countries around the world, re-opened its borders and removed social distancing restrictions.
More than 7,000 fireworks have been launched from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and another 2,000 from the Opera House.
It is the first time in 12 years the fireworks will be launched from four building rooftops to frame the spectacular show, the organisers said.
Producer Stephen Gilby said it is the ‘party Sydney deserves’ after strict Covid measures in the country during the pandemic.
Crowds also gathered at Auckland’s Sky Tower and it is the first time the firework display has been held in the city since the pandemic.
Fireworks explode over Sky Tower in central Auckland as New Year celebrations begin in New Zealand (Picture: AP)
The ‘family fireworks’, displayed three hours before midnight every year ahead of the main show at midnight in Sydney (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
The Sydney Opera House (L) and Harbour Bridge are lit up ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Sydney (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
The event included an animation and light show, which took in several of the landmarks around the city.
Brisbane and Sydney in Australia also had 9pm fireworks in a display ‘inspired by the land, sea and sky’.
China’s New Year celebrations are also expected to go ahead despite the surging number of Covid cases in the country.
Events will be held at the Great Wall of China as well as across major cities including Shaghai.
In the UK, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has warned tickets for the capital’s fireworks display have sold out.
He tweeted: ‘Everyone is excited about the fireworks tonight
‘Sadly tickets are sold out for the event—if you don’t have a ticket you won’t be able to enter.’
Mr Khan reminded people without tickets they can watch the fireworks live on TV tonight, adding: ‘Whatever your plans, have a great night. #LoveLondon.’
The fireworks display takes place at the London Eye, with thousands expected to watch on from the capital’s Victoria Embankment.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Kiribati was the first nation to welcome the New Year at 10am GMT this morning.
