From Sydney to Mumbai to London, communities around the world have welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows and joyous celebrations.
The New Year's Eve ball dropped in soggy Times Square, where thousands of revellers stuck it out in heavy rain to celebrate the start of 2025 in New York.
Countries in the South Pacific Ocean were the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking at 11am GMT on Tuesday.
Auckland was the first major city to celebrate, with thousands thronging downtown or climbing the city's ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point.
In Sydney, Australia, an estimated one million people lined the streets to take in the traditional fireworks extravaganza - with nearly 500million around the world watching it on TV.
In London, the New Year Fireworks went ahead as planned, despite bad weather wrecking events in other UK cities including Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Follow all the latest from the celebrations below...
New Year's Day Parade delayed due to high winds
10:22 , Daniel KeaneLondon's New Year's Day Parade has been delayed due to high winds forecast, a spokesman for the event said.
The parade was due to begin at midday, but is set to start 30 minutes later than planned, and inflatable cartoon characters will not be inflated after advice from the Met Office, spokesman Dan Kirkby added.
New Year's revellers injured after 'hit and run' in London
10:13 , Daniel KeaneA 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a hit-and-run incident in which two New Year revellers were injured.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to the junction of Regent's Park Road and Primrose Hill in north London short after midnight, following reports of a vehicle crashing into a pedestrian.
The driver failed to stop and made off along Primrose Hill Road where a second pedestrian was struck.
Police confirmed a 21-year-old man suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment.
Las Vegas rings in New Year
08:30 , Daniel KeaneLas Vegas celebrated the New Year with a bang, including a live performance by Kesha and Tinashe.
Kesha - whose full name is Kesha Rose Sebert - played her 2009 hit track Tik Tok in front of a live audience in the Nevada city.
At the Fremont Street Experience, a star-studded lineup performed including Flo Rida, 3OH!3 and Dylan Marlowe.
Dubai fireworks spectacular at midnight to usher in 2025
Tuesday 31 December 2024 21:22 , Anthony FranceDubai ushered in the new year with a spectacular pyrotechnic show.
A stunning 15,600 elements were added for its fireworks display from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
A soaring water jet display from the Dubai Fountain was synchronised with the show.
Robbie Williams kicks off new year celebrations in Australia
Tuesday 31 December 2024 20:19 , Anthony FranceSinger Robbie Williams kicked off new year celebrations in Australia with a performance outside Sydney Opera House.
The 50-year-old headlined ABC’s New Year’s Eve Party in the city, where 2025 has already begun, playing his biggest hits to celebrate the release of his film Better Man.
Speaking after the show, Williams said: “I’ve always had a soft spot for Australia.
“Ever since I first arrived here on my solo tour in 2003, Australia accepts me for who I am and that’s the best feeling.
“So, it was truly an honour to entertain the nation in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour counting down to New Year’s Eve.”
London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks event to go ahead - mayor
Tuesday 31 December 2024 19:43 , Anthony FranceLondon’s New Year’s Eve fireworks event will go ahead at midnight despite weather concerns across the UK, Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed.
Much of the country faces heavy rain and strong winds, and even snow in some parts, leading to widespread disruption.
With weather warnings in place, many planned December 31 events have been cancelled, but the capital’s fireworks display will proceed as scheduled to mark the start of 2025.
Revellers celebrate as clock strikes midnight in India
Tuesday 31 December 2024 19:08 , Anthony FranceA couple form a heart shape with their hands on Juhu beach in Mumbai and crowd flash lights from their mobile phones as they attend New Year’s Eve celebrations in one of India’s capitals.
India welcomes in 2025 with fireworks
Tuesday 31 December 2024 18:48 , Anthony FranceBangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam welcomed in 2025 just before 1.4 billion people across India, the world’s most populous country, celebrated. Crowds gathered to see a huge fireworks display in Mumbai.
Before Bangladesh ushered in the new year, thousands attended a “March for Unity” in the capital Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned after weeks of deadly anti-government protests, putting an end to her more than two decades in power.
Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Year’s Eve
Tuesday 31 December 2024 17:38 , Anthony FranceA blackout hit nearly all of Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve as the US territory prepared to celebrate.
More than 1.3 million people have been left in the dark with officials saying it could take up to two days to restore power.
The outage hit at dawn on Tuesday, plunging the island into an eerie silence as electrical appliances and air conditioners shut down before those who could afford generators turned them on.
One man who gave his name as Manuel said as he stood outside a grocery store in the capital of San Juan: “It had to be on the December 31!”
He grumbled about the outage that coincided with his birthday: “There is no happiness.”
Nearly 90 per cent of 1.47 million consumers across Puerto Rico were left in the dark, according to Luma Energy, a private company that oversees electricity transmission and distribution.
Parts of UK could enjoy Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve
Tuesday 31 December 2024 17:25 , Anthony FrancePeople in some parts of the UK may have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve, the Met Office said.
People in the east of Scotland, north-east England and Northern Ireland could be treated to sightings of the natural phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, as they celebrate the new year.
There is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights this #NewYearsEve across Scotland, Northern Ireland and possibly northern England depending on the cloud cover 👀 pic.twitter.com/rDztDroa45
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 31, 2024
A spokesman said areas of Scotland should have the “best chances” at seeing the Northern Lights.
Fireworks light up Hong Kong’s iconic harbour
Tuesday 31 December 2024 17:17 , Anthony FranceHong Kong welcomed in the new year shortly after Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia due to differing time zones across south east Asian.
Huge crowds cheered as fireworks lit up Victoria Harbour in the former British colony.
City Hall continuing to monitor weather ahead of London fireworks
Tuesday 31 December 2024 16:59 , Daniel KeaneCity Hall has said it will continue to monitor the weather amid fears that tonight’s fireworks in the capital may not go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “We continue to monitor the weather forecast closely, but ticketholders and the many millions watching around the world are set for a spectacular night of fireworks from the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year.
“All tickets are sold out, with resale tickets only available through Ticketmaster, the only authorised ticket seller for this event. Anyone who does not have a ticket is urged to watch the show on TV or welcome in 2025 in the capital’s fantastic range of hospitality venues.”
Pictured: Children celebrate NYE in Damascus weeks after fall of Assad
Tuesday 31 December 2024 16:09 , Daniel Keane
Pictured: Rio prepares to celebrate the New Year's Eve
Tuesday 31 December 2024 15:53
Lights out in Puerto Rico on NYE as power grid collapses
Tuesday 31 December 2024 15:09 , Daniel KeanePuerto Ricans were without electricity early on New Year's Eve after a grid failure left nearly all of the island without power.
Around 90 per cent of clients were without power at 9.30am local time on Tuesday, according to energy distribution company LUMA Energy's real-time portal.
It will likely take 24 to 48 hours to turn the lights back on, "conditions permitting," LUMA said in a statement.
"While the cause of the outage is under investigation, preliminary findings point to a failure in an underground line," LUMA added.
Ivan Baez, a spokesperson for power generator Genera, called the grid failure a "major incident" in a local radio interview.
Japan and Korea coming up next
Tuesday 31 December 2024 14:24 , Daniel KeaneJapan and North and South Korea will be ringing in the New Year in just over half an hour.
We’ll have all the latest pictures and news here.
In pictures: Sydney NY fireworks
Tuesday 31 December 2024 13:18 , Michael HowieHere a few pictures of the dazzling display...
Sydney celebrates 2025 with spectacular fireworks show
Tuesday 31 December 2024 13:12 , Michael HowieAustralia’s biggest city Sydney is seeing in 2025 in traditional fashion with a stunning extended fireworks show over its famous harbour.
More than 1million people were expected to gather for event, which includes a performance from singer Robbie Williams.
Most of Japan shuts down ahead of nation's biggest holiday
Tuesday 31 December 2024 12:50 , Daniel KeaneMuch of Japan has shut down ahead of the nation's biggest holiday, as temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning, including swatting floor mats called "tatami" with big sticks.
The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth - alluding to the reptile's shedding skin.
Stores in Japan, which observes the zodiac cycle from January 1, have been selling tiny figures of smiling snakes and other snake-themed products.
Other places in Asia will start marking the Year of the Snake later, with the Lunar New Year.
Revellers gather in Sydney ahead of iconic fireworks display
Tuesday 31 December 2024 12:25 , Daniel Keane
Boat race in Dorset cancelled due to bad weather
Tuesday 31 December 2024 12:06 , Daniel KeaneA homemade boat race set to be held in Poole, Dorset, on New Year’s Day has been cancelled because of the expected poor weather.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said in a statement: “Unfortunately the Bathtub Race is now cancelled due to the severity of the swell of the water forecast for New Year’s Day and the incapability of the Rescue Ribs to launch.
“The classic car and vintage vehicle event is still going ahead on Poole Quay from 10am-12.30pm.”
NYE fireworks cancelled in Newcastle due to weather
Tuesday 31 December 2024 11:47 , Daniel KeaneTwo fireworks displays planned for 6pm and midnight on Newcastle’s Quayside have been cancelled because of the weather.
Newcastle City Council said: “Safety always comes first, and the forecast has made it clear that continuing would pose risks to those attending, as well as our event teams working on-site.
“Newcastle’s Quayside is a special place to mark New Year’s Eve, and we understand how disappointing this news will be for both residents and visitors, including those who’ve travelled to our city.
“We’re incredibly proud of the community spirit Newcastle always shows, and we hope everyone can still find ways to safely welcome 2025 with family and friends.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience, and we wish you all a very safe and happy new year.”
'Family fireworks' light up the sky in Sydney ahead of main event
Tuesday 31 December 2024 11:44 , Daniel KeaneThe "family fireworks" light up the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, three hours ahead of the main show at midnight in Sydney on New Year's Eve.
Pictured: Fireworks at Auckland's famous Sky Tower
Tuesday 31 December 2024 11:17 , Daniel Keane
New Zealand rings in the New Year
Tuesday 31 December 2024 11:05 , Daniel KeaneFirework ceremonies are underway in New Zealand as the country rings in the New Year.
It becomes the first country to kick off New Year’s celebrations - with Australia to follow shortly.
Pictured: Australians gather outside Harbour House in Sydney ahead of fireworks display
Tuesday 31 December 2024 10:40 , Daniel Keane
What country celebrates New Year's first?
Tuesday 31 December 2024 10:15 , Daniel KeaneMost Britons associate the first New Year’s Eve celebrations with Australia and New Zealand.
However, there are several other countries which will beat them to 2025.
Kiritimati Island - also known as Christmas Island - is among 11 islands in the central Pacific Ocean that will be the first to ring in the New Year.
With a population of just 1,692 people, celebrations are likely to be small.
Sydney to repeat iconic fireworks ceremony
Tuesday 31 December 2024 09:47 , Daniel KeaneSydney will ring in 2025 with its iconic fireworks ceremony over the harbour.
More than a million people are expected to gather in the Australian capital for the ceremony, which is usually watched across the world.
They will begin at 1pm UK time.
Could weather threaten UK's NYE celebrations?
Tuesday 31 December 2024 09:24 , Daniel KeaneLondon’s City Hall has said it is “monitoring the weather” ahead of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations after some of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities were cancelled due to bad weather.
Almost every part of the country is covered by at least one of the multiple Met Office weather warnings between Monday and Wednesday.
A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland for Monday and Tuesday, while an amber warning for rain is in place for an area around Inverness on Tuesday.
Read our full story here.
What is happening in London to mark NYE?
Tuesday 31 December 2024 09:09 , Daniel KeaneThere is no shortage of things to do in London this evening to celebrate the New Year.
The annual fireworks display run by City Hall will take place in central London, though tickets to the event have sold out.
For those who would prefer to celebrate the New Year in a club, the Standard has put together a list of the best nights across the capital here.
Welcome
Tuesday 31 December 2024 08:52 , Daniel KeaneWelcome to our live coverage of New Year’s celebrations across the world.
New Zealand is gearing up for a big party to ring in 2025.
The country’s most famous fireworks display will take place at Auckland’s Sky Tower at midnight.
Music festivals are also taking place in various cities across the country.
