Countless revellers switched into party mode Sunday across Europe to ring in 2018 after Sydney and Hong Kong earlier welcomed New Year on the other side of the globe with dazzling firework displays. Revellers danced to Auld Lang Syne in Hong Kong as the city staged a stunning pyrotechnics display
Paris (AFP) – Countless revellers switched into party mode Sunday across Europe to ring in 2018 after Sydney and Hong Kong earlier welcomed New Year on the other side of the globe with dazzling firework displays.
Revellers danced to Auld Lang Syne in Hong Kong as the city staged a stunning pyrotechnics display over its famous Victoria Harbour and thousands watched as « shooting stars » were fired from the rooftops of skyscrapers in a 10-minute musical fireworks display.
Three hours earlier Australia had rung in the New Year with a spectacular display of rainbow-coloured fireworks cascading from Sydney Harbour Bridge, as partygoers marked the nation’s legalisation of gay marriage amid tight security
As clocks prepared to strike midnight in Europe, London and Paris were awash with people despite the winter cold.
A storm warning and drizzle failed to dampen spirits on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, where thousands gathered for a light show and a fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe.
Nearly 2,000 security force members were deployed to protect the crowd — out of some 140,000 mobilised nationwide to guard against the jihadist threat which the authorities describe as « still high ».
One reveller, who gave his name only as Stephane, insisted that a spate of recent attacks on France were « in the past. »
« Life goes on and they (jihadists) are on the retreat, » he said.
In London, more than 100,000 ticket-holders were expected to watch London’s firework display from the banks of the River Thames.
