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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year 2014

 

Happy New Year 2014

   

 

 

  • Millions flocked to the legendary Times Square celebration as 2014 dawned on America's shores
  • Revelers in New Zealand had already hailed the start of 2014, dancing in the streets of Auckland and Queenstown
  • Dubai is planning the world's biggest ever fireworks show with Guinness World Record judges on hand
  • More than one million people pack Sydney harbor to watch the spectacular fireworks display burst into the sky
  • Bright rockets flew from the four sails of the city's iconic Opera House for the first time in more than a decade
  • More than 260 people injured as firecrackers are set off in the Philippines during the countdown to midnight

The biggest party in the world was held at midnight - with bright fireworks bursting into skies and confetti falling down across the globe as nations hailed the start of 2014.

And if you were one of the revelers that braved the chilling temperatures in Times Square you may be able to spot yourself in this incredible 360-degree image of the celebrations in New York City.

As well as watching Miley Cyrus twerk in the New Year, the celebrations also saw an awe-inspiring performance and pyrotechnic display that proved once again that Times Square is the most exciting place to be when a New Year dawns on America's shores.

VIEW: Incredible 360-degree image of Times Square

VIEW: 360-degree image of London's stunning firework display

Happy New Year! Fireworks light up the sky above Times Square in New York City at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day

Happy New Year! Fireworks light up the sky above Times Square in New York City at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day

Crowded: The sea of horn-tooting, hat-wearing humanity that filled the Crossroads of the World was part celebration, part endurance sport

Crowded: The sea of horn-tooting, hat-wearing humanity that filled the Crossroads of the World was part celebration, part endurance sport

Smooches: Miranda Echerarria and Christian Prieto, of Niagra, New York kiss at the stroke of midnight during the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square

Smooches: Miranda Echerarria and Christian Prieto, of Niagra, New York kiss at the stroke of midnight during the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square

An ecstatic celebrant tosses handfuls of colorful confetti onto the roaring Times Square crowds

An ecstatic celebrant tosses handfuls of colorful confetti onto the roaring Times Square crowds

It's 2014! A cloud of confetti shrouds 1 Times Square, where the ball dropped as it does every year to mark the new year in New York City

It's 2014! A cloud of confetti shrouds 1 Times Square, where the ball dropped as it does every year to mark the new year in New York City

A 360-degree view of the crowds during The New Year's Eve 2014 Celebration in Times Square, New York City

A 360-degree view of the crowds during The New Year's Eve 2014 Celebration in Times Square, New York City

The partygoers arrived early in the day, braving temperatures in the 20s to stand in metal pens for hours.

By midnight, some one million people were expected to be on hand for Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge and hip-hop artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and the dropping of the 11,875-pound, crystal-encrusted ball marking the start of the new year.

And each year, the New York Police Department assigns thousands of extra patrols to festivities - in ways seen and unseen - to control the crowd and watch for any signs of trouble.

Camera switched as Jenny McCarthy kisses Donnie Wahlberg over NY

New Year's love: Revelers steal a smooch as the ball drops over Times Square

New Year's love: Revelers steal a smooch as the ball drops over Times Square

Hey, sailor! A sailor kisses a woman during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square

Hey, sailor! A sailor kisses a woman during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square

Kenn Magowan, left, Anna Edgerly-Moore, both of New York, look out over the bustling Times Square celebration

Kenn Magowan, left, Anna Edgerly-Moore, both of New York, look out over the bustling Times Square celebration

The sea of horn-tooting, hat-wearing humanity that filled the Crossroads of the World was part celebration, part endurance sport because post-Sept. 11 security measures force spectators into pens at least 12 hours in advance, with no food, no warmth and no place to go to the bathroom.

Many officers were expected to wear palm-size radiation detectors designed to give off a signal if they detect evidence of a dirty bomb, an explosive intended to spread panic by creating a radioactive cloud.

About one million people from all over the world were expected to pack into the bow-tie-shaped stretch of streets in midtown Manhattan to see the crystal ball drop and count down to 2014, organizers said.

Miley covers up but retains some raunchy dance moves for NY

That's different: Miley Cyrus arrived for her much anticipated performance wearing lots of sequins and with a little person in tow

That's different: Miley Cyrus arrived for her much anticipated performance wearing lots of sequins and with a little person in tow

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Twerking in the New Year: Miley Cyrus headlined the annual Times Square New Year celebration

Personality of the year: The 20-year-old brought her trademark free-wheeling attitude, as well as dancers dressed as the number 2014

Personality of the year: The 20-year-old brought her trademark free-wheeling attitude, as well as dancers dressed as the number 2014

'We've got adult diapers. We're wearing them right now,' said teenager Amber Woods, who came with friends from the New York City's suburbs to experience the event for the first time. They entered their corral at 10 a.m. For nourishment, they brought lollipops and popcorn. For the cold, they did a lot of jumping in place.

'Every time I say, it's the last. But then I come back,' said Yasmina Merrir, a Washington, D.C., resident attending her fourth Times Square ball drop. In 2009, the cold was so bad, she got hypothermia. Her legs swelled up like balloons.

Ringing it it: Balloons hanging above a thrilled crowd say it all as New York's Times Square and its million revelers count down to the new year with the smoldering photo of headline performer Miley Cyrus looming in the background

Ringing it it: Balloons hanging above a thrilled crowd say it all as New York's Times Square and its million revelers count down to the new year with the smoldering photo of headline performer Miley Cyrus looming in the background

View from above: An overhead shot of Times Square as the confetti rained down shows just how thickly the colorful paper fell and how dense the crowds were

View from above: An overhead shot of Times Square as the confetti rained down shows just how thickly the colorful paper fell and how dense the crowds were

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Confetti and streamers fly high through Times Square as America's largest New Year celebration rings 2013

An NPYD  officer stands beneath falling confetti while holding a rifle amid the perennial fear of terrorist attacks on the massive celebration

An NPYD officer stands beneath falling confetti while holding a rifle amid the perennial fear of terrorist attacks on the massive celebration

Not blue: Crowds were frigid in 20 degree cold but the excitement of the night helped keep things cheerful as crowds prepared to count down and watch the legendary ball drop

Not blue: Crowds were frigid in 20 degree cold but the excitement of the night helped keep things cheerful as crowds prepared to count down and watch the legendary ball drop

A reveler makes angels in the confetti on the ground during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square

A reveler makes angels in the confetti on the ground during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square

Popular pastime: Another man drops to the ground to make New Year confetti angels in Times Square

Popular pastime: Another man drops to the ground to make New Year confetti angels in Times Square

A policeman walks through colorful aftermath of confetti dropped on revelers at midnight

A policeman walks through colorful aftermath of confetti dropped on revelers at midnight

Saving it for later: Maya Grace Hubbert, 5, collects confetti in a hat

Saving it for later: Maya Grace Hubbert, 5, collects confetti in a hat

She was also fasting and not drinking anything to deal with the lack of restrooms. As for the cold, she recommends vigorous dancing for as long as you can stand on your feet.

'At a point,' she said, 'your brain is not working anymore.'

New York's midnight celebration came as millions of people welcomed the new year in cities around the world, including jubilant events in London, where the fireworks came packed with edible confetti, and Dubai, which attempted to stage the world's largest fireworks display.

In outer space, NASA astronauts will help ring in the new year by sending greetings to the Times Square crowd.

Astronaut Mike Massimino will bring a message from crew members on board the International Space Station orbiting the globe in a video display from space visible to those waiting for the ball drop.

There will be no crystal ball for Brasstown, in the mountains of North Carolina. At midnight it will hold its 20th New Year's Eve 'possum drop' - in which a caged opossum is displayed in a Plexiglas container for spectators.

'If New York can drop a ball... then we can lower the opossum,' organizers explained on their website.

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor prepares to push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year's Eve Ball

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor prepares to push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year's Eve Ball

Revelers pose for a photograph as they wait for midnight to arrive

Revelers pose for a photograph as they wait for midnight to arrive

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform as part of the Times Square celebration as fans eagerly awaited the headliner Miley Cyrus

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform as part of the Times Square celebration as fans eagerly awaited the headliner Miley Cyrus

Around a million people crammed into the streets of Time Square to gave in person upon the famous ball as it drops

Around a million people crammed into the streets of Time Square to gave in person upon the famous ball as it drops

WATCH ONLINE: TIMES SQUARE NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS 2013/14

The event got a last-minute go-ahead after a judge refused a plea by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to stop the event.

Across the northern United States, partygoers braced for snow and freezing temperatures. Chicago, which could see a significant snowstorm amid its flurry of festivities, was offering free rides on trains and buses from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to ensure revelers make it home safely.

In San Francisco, one of the last places in the world to see the clock strike midnight, some 200,000 people were expected to gather on the waterfront for a fireworks display illuminating the city's world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Fireworks, viewed from Westminster Bridge, light up the London skyline just after midnight on January 1 in this 360-degree picture which also captures Big Ben

Fireworks, viewed from Westminster Bridge, light up the London skyline just after midnight on January 1 in this 360-degree picture which also captures Big Ben

A 360-degree view of crowds watching in the rain during the New Year's Day Parade in London

A 360-degree view of crowds watching in the rain during the New Year's Day Parade in London

Boston: Fireworks light up the sky over Boston Harbor to celebrate First Night in Boston, during New Year's celebrations early Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Boston: Fireworks light up the sky over Boston Harbor to celebrate First Night in Boston, during New Year's celebrations early Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Toronto! Fireworks explode during Year's Eve celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto

Toronto! Fireworks explode during Year's Eve celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto

The shoe drops: Sushi, portrayed by Gary Marion, is lowered to Duval Street seconds before midnight outside the Bourbon Street Pub to welcome the new year in Key West, Florida December 31, 2013, The Big Red Shoe Drop is a Key West tradition and one of four 'drops' that the island city stages to celebrate New Year's Eve

The shoe drops: Sushi, portrayed by Gary Marion, is lowered to Duval Street seconds before midnight outside the Bourbon Street Pub to welcome the new year in Key West, Florida December 31, 2013, The Big Red Shoe Drop is a Key West tradition and one of four 'drops' that the island city stages to celebrate New Year's Eve

Party atmosphere at the Fifth annual New Year's Eve Bash on Broadway on December 31, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee

Party atmosphere at the Fifth annual New Year's Eve Bash on Broadway on December 31, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee

London welcomed 2014 with a mixture of futuristic fireworks and torch-lit tradition. For people in the capital, the New Year offered the unique opportunity to taste the fireworks.

Edible banana confetti and strawberry mist rained from the sky as a fireworks display along the River Thames lights up Big Ben and other landmarks.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: 'There is no better way to celebrate the highs of 2013 and the start of an exciting new year than by seeing one of the world's most dazzling firework displays, now augmented in more ways than one.

Revelers cheer in Times Square as New Year's Eve ball drops

2014 welcomed across the USA with spectacular fireworks

A room with a view! From the top of the Shard, the fireworks lit up the entire capital

A room with a view! From the top of the Shard, the fireworks lit up the entire capital

All along the Thames, thousands of spectators braved the poor weather to see the start of 2014 at the foot of the Houses of Parliament

All along the Thames, thousands of spectators braved the poor weather to see the start of 2014 at the foot of the Houses of Parliament

The sky above London burst into a riot of colours last night as the new year was welcomed in with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays for years

The sky above London burst into a riot of colours last night as the new year was welcomed in with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays for years

Big Ben was illuminated against the night sky as 250,000 people were treated to the city's first ever 'multi-sensory' show of pyrotechnics

Big Ben was illuminated against the night sky as 250,000 people were treated to the city's first ever 'multi-sensory' show of pyrotechnics

Fireworks light up the sky on the Southbank in one of the world's most dazzling firework displays

Fireworks light up the sky on the Southbank in one of the world's most dazzling firework displays

London puts on colourful firework display to welcome 2014

Thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames in central London to see in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

Thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames in central London to see in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames received packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames received packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes

Fireworks light the sky above the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament over the river Thames during the New Year celebrations in central London just after midnight

Fireworks light the sky above the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament over the river Thames during the New Year celebrations in central London just after midnight

Thousands of people are waiting on the banks of the River Thames in central London to ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

Thousands of people are waiting on the banks of the River Thames in central London to ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display

'Watched by millions around the world, and hundreds of thousands of people from the banks of the Thames, it highlights our capital's fantastic community spirit and its premier position on the global stage.'

Up to 100,000 people in key viewing areas by the Thames will also get packs featuring scratch 'n' sniff programmes, LED wristbands and seven kinds of fruit-flavoured sweets that link to the tastes and smells of the multi-sensory display.

The annual crackles of fireworks and chimes of Big Ben rang in the new year in London, where people have been queuing for hours to get a prime spot on the Southbank, while street parties and shindigs throughout the UK will coax others from their homes.

In Scotland about 80,000 people are expected in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party, with music from the Pet Shop Boys as well as traditional Scottish sounds at an outdoor dance event.

A firework display in Manchester city centre marks the New Year, watched by a crowd estimated at 8,000

A firework display in Manchester city centre marks the New Year, watched by a crowd estimated at 8,000

The fireworks event was held in Piccadilly Gardens for the first time in the city's history

The fireworks event was held in Piccadilly Gardens for the first time in the city's history

A bright start to 2014: Fireworks soared into the sky as Manchester welcomed in the brand new year

A bright start to 2014: Fireworks soared into the sky as Manchester welcomed in the brand new year

Russia celebrates 2014 with spectacular fireworks

With fireworks, dancing and late-night revelry, millions around the world welcomed 2014, gathering for huge displays of jubilation and unity as the new year arrived.

Dubai, a Persian Gulf city known for glitz, glamour and over-the-top achievements like the world's tallest skyscraper, sought to break another record by creating the largest fireworks show.

In Ukraine, anti-government protesters hoped to set their own record for the most people to sing a national anthem at the same time.

Crowds heading to New York City's Times Square could expect the traditional ball drop but no mayor this year. The new year was to be rung in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor instead.

The Dubai skyline was a canvas for a dazzling 30-minute show capping off with six minutes of fireworks that engulfed the city's man-made, palm-shaped island, with its fronds and trunk shimmering in thousands of lights.

Organizers had promised that the fireworks would form a flying falcon, sunrise and United Arab Emirates flag. It was not immediately clear if the promised designs or world record had been achieved.

In total, the extravaganza was slated to include half a million fireworks from 400 firing locations synchronized by 100 computers, said Barrett Wissman, co-chairman of IMG Artists, which was managing the event.

The company also organized the grand fireworks for the Atlantis hotel opening on Dubai's Palm island in 2008.

In Scotland, about 80,000 people are expected in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party

In Scotland, about 80,000 people are expected in Edinburgh city centre for the famous Hogmanay street party

Hundred thousands of people celebrated New Year's Eve welcoming the new year 2014 in Germany's capital

Hundred thousands of people celebrated New Year's Eve welcoming the new year 2014 in Germany's capital

Fireworks explode over of Berlin's landmark the Brandenburg Gate, where one of the country's biggest New Year's parties was celebrated

Fireworks explode over of Berlin's landmark the Brandenburg Gate, where one of the country's biggest New Year's parties was celebrated

Ukrainians light screens and mobile phones as they sing the National anthem during the 2014 New Year celebrations at the pro-European supporters' tent camp at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine

Ukrainians light screens and mobile phones as they sing the National anthem during the 2014 New Year celebrations at the pro-European supporters' tent camp at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine

Thousands of locals residents gather to see the fireworks display and celebrate the New Year at the Red Square in Moscow

Thousands of locals residents gather to see the fireworks display and celebrate the New Year at the Red Square in Moscow

Revellers wrapped up and braved the cold as they watched spectacular displays explode across the Red Square

Revellers wrapped up and braved the cold as they watched spectacular displays explode across the Red Square

The spectacle erupted at midnight at the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, and moved to the city's sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab hotel before ending at the Palm.

'It is really mind-blowing the size of this,' Wissman said of the display.

The fireworks display was slated to surpass the current world record held by another Gulf Arab state in just the first 60 seconds. Kuwait has held the record since last year, when it fired more than 77,000 fireworks in a display lasting more than an hour.

Guinness World Record officials were on hand to measure the scale of Dubai's event, which needed to be longer than five minutes to qualify.

On Kiev's main square, at least 100,000 Ukrainians sang their national anthem in a sign of support for integration with Europe.

The square has been the scene of massive pro-European protests for more than a month, triggered by President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to ditch a key deal with the European Union.

Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The country kicked off New Year with a dazzling bid for a new world record to cap those the Gulf city state already holds for its mammoth property developments

Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The country kicked off New Year with a dazzling bid for a new world record to cap those the Gulf city state already holds for its mammoth property developments

The glittering fireworks display that lasted around six minutes spanned over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of the Dubai coast

The glittering fireworks display that lasted around six minutes spanned over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of the Dubai coast

In Scotland, thousands of people gathered in Edinburgh last night to celebrate the new year. Revellers from across the world took to Princes Street to welcome in 2014.

More than 80,000 people took part in the capitals world famous Hogmanay celebrations which were headlined by the Pet Shop Boys.

It is believed that during the Hogmanay and New Year period over 150,000 people have travelled to celebrate in Edinburgh.
Guest travelled from over 60 countries coming from as far away as Australia, Brazil , China, Japan, New Zealand and the USA.

Exploding fireworks sprayed from Sydney's iconic opera house and harbor bridge as the world began ushering in a new year.

More than one million people crammed the Sydney Harbor foreshore on a warm summer night to watch Sydney's renowned annual pyrotechnics show, which appeared to live up to its billing as the city's most extravagant.

And for the first time in more than a decade fireworks launched from four sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Up Helly Aa Vikings at the start the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations with a torchlight procession through Edinburgh city centre

Up Helly Aa Vikings at the start the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations with a torchlight procession through Edinburgh city centre

Around 80,000 people are expected in the city for the traditional New Year celebrations, which run over three days. Tickets have been bought for the event by people from over sixty different countries

Around 80,000 people are expected in the city for the traditional New Year celebrations, which run over three days. Tickets have been bought for the event by people from over sixty different countries

A general view of the torchlight procession as it makes its way through Edinburgh for the start of the Hogmanay celebrations

A general view of the torchlight procession as it makes its way through Edinburgh for the start of the Hogmanay celebrations

What a happy start to the new year!  Alex Thomson steals a kiss from PC Heather Clark of Police Scotland

What a happy start to the new year! Alex Thomson steals a kiss from PC Heather Clark of Police Scotland

The New Year's Eve Winter Carnival in Newcastle city centre saw performers parading through the city to the Civic Centre for a spectacular fireworks display

The New Year's Eve Winter Carnival in Newcastle city centre saw performers parading through the city to the Civic Centre for a spectacular fireworks display

While organizers in cities like Chicago and New York were just starting to block off streets in preparation for the evening's events, festivities were well under way in Newcastle

While organizers in cities like Chicago and New York were just starting to block off streets in preparation for the evening's events, festivities were well under way in Newcastle

Hundreds of people gathered at the Great Wall, a landmark place in Beijing, to celebrate the New Year

Hundreds of people gathered at the Great Wall, a landmark place in Beijing, to celebrate the New Year

Badaling Great Wall is illuminated during the New Year's Eve count down to 2014 held at the Badaling Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall is illuminated during the New Year's Eve count down to 2014 held at the Badaling Great Wall

All together now, happy new year! Performers gather for a group photo after the end of a New Year's Eve count down to 2014 in Beijing, China

All together now, happy new year! Performers gather for a group photo after the end of a New Year's Eve count down to 2014 in Beijing, China

Packed in like sardines! Fireworks light up the sky as thousands of people gather to watch, in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia

Packed in like sardines! Fireworks light up the sky as thousands of people gather to watch, in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia

In Hong Kong the harbour provided the focal point much like Sydney harbour three hours earlier.

A bright spray of fireworks erupted from the water at the same time as rockets burst above the city creating a stunning spectacle of red and white light.

In Malaysia, fireworks exploded across the sky near Kuala Lumpur's most famous landmark, the Petronas Towers.

Fireworks lit up the sky as thousands of people gathered to watch the show in the main business district on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In North Korea, all eyes were on the Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang to celebrate the New Year.

Closer to the edge of the International Dateline, New Zealand bid farewell to 2013 two hours before Sydney with fireworks erupting from Auckland's Sky Tower as cheering revelers danced in the streets of the South Pacific island nation's largest city.

Fireworks explode over Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the New Year

Fireworks explode over Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the New Year

Ringing in 2014! Fireworks explode near Malaysia's landmark, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ringing in 2014! Fireworks explode near Malaysia's landmark, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

While many were happy to welcome the new year, thousands of Malaysian people marched on the street  to protest against price hikes by  the Malaysian government

While many were happy to welcome the new year, thousands of Malaysian people marched on the street to protest against price hikes by the Malaysian government

Soaring into the air: The fireworks near Malaysia's iconic Petronas Towers heralded a new start and a new year for many

Soaring into the air: The fireworks near Malaysia's iconic Petronas Towers heralded a new start and a new year for many

In Tokyo, five priests at the Zojoji temple used ropes to swing a wooden pole against a large bell, sounding the first of 108 gongs to mark the new year. Simultaneously, '2014' lit up in white lights on the modern Tokyo Tower in the background.

Both Japanese and tourists jammed the temple grounds for the traditional ceremony. Suburban resident Juji Muto said he was curious to hear how the bell sounded. At his age, the 75-year-old retiree said he wishes as every year for good health in the new year.

China displayed light shows at part of the Great Wall near Beijing and at the Bund waterfront in Shanghai.

The city of Wuhan in central Hubei province called off its fireworks show and banned fireworks downtown to avoid worsening its smoggy air.

An anti-Thai government protester waves national flag as dancers perform on stage during a New Year's Eve rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand

An anti-Thai government protester waves national flag as dancers perform on stage during a New Year's Eve rally at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand

With fireworks erupting from the water and bursting high in the skies, Hong Kong's harbour was showered in sprays of red and white as midnight struck

With fireworks erupting from the water and bursting high in the skies, Hong Kong's harbour was showered in sprays of red and white as midnight struck

The bright lights of the city's skyline merged with the colourful spray of fire across the harbour The bright lights of the city's skyline merged with the colourful spray of fire across the harbour

In Beijing, one flower shop manager said he hoped the new year brought more customers.

'Since the government started its campaign to crack down on luxury spending and promote frugality, our business with government agencies has been in decline,' said Mao Xiangfei. 'In the past, government clients accounted for about 10 percent of our business, but now it's zero.'

In the Philippines, more than 260 people were injured by firecracker blasts and celebratory gunfire ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, one of Asia's most violent revelries.

Department of Health spokesman Dr Eric Tayag said he expected the number of injuries to rise sharply when Filipinos ignite powerful firecrackers to end a year marked by tragic disasters, including a typhoon on November 8, that left more than 6,100 dead and nearly 1,800 others missing.

'Many here are welcoming the new year after losing their mothers, fathers, siblings and children so you can imagine how it feels,' said village chief Maria Rosario Bactol of Anibong community in Tacloban, the city worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan.

Thousands release balloons into the sky as the Tokyo is illuminated during the countdown to midnight in Japan's capital

Thousands release balloons into the sky as the Tokyo is illuminated during the countdown to midnight in Japan's capital

Tokyo tower in the countdown to midnight

Tokyo tower as midnight strikes

Tokyo tower in Japan in the countdown to midnight, left. And right, as 12am strikes and the crowds celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse

Midnight strikes in South Korea as thousands celebrating with the 'moon house' burning and fireworks during the 21st Sungsan sunrise festival of New Year in Sungsan, on Jeju island Midnight strikes in South Korea as thousands celebrating with the 'moon house' burning and fireworks during the 21st Sungsan sunrise festival of New Year in Sungsan, on Jeju island

South Koreans gaze up at the bright display above their heads as they hail the start of 2014 on Jeju island South Koreans gaze up at the bright display above their heads as they hail the start of 2014 on Jeju island

More than one million people packed the water and shoreline of Sydney's harbour to watch the annual fireworks spectacular

More than one million people packed the water and shoreline of Sydney's harbour to watch the annual fireworks spectacular

Sydney celebrates 2014 with spectacular fireworks

'I tell them to face the reality, to move on and stand up but I know it will never be easy.'

Dubai, home to world's tallest tower, is known for its glitz, glamor and over-the-top achievements, and this New Year's Eve the city is planning to break another record by creating the largest fireworks show ever.

Organizers plan to light up the city's coastline with a flying falcon made out of fireworks that moves across a massive man-made palm-shaped island alongside a countdown in fireworks.

The Opera House is lit up by the stunning fountains of fireworks streaming off the harbour bridge. This year's display is the most extravagant ever, organisers have said

The Opera House is lit up by the stunning fountains of fireworks streaming off the harbour bridge. This year's display is the most extravagant ever, organisers have said

The view over Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquarie's chair as midnight strikes and the crowds hail the New Year

The view over Sydney Harbour from Mrs Macquarie's chair as midnight strikes and the crowds hail the New Year

Fireworks launched from the four sails of Sydney's iconic Opera House for the first time in more than a decade

Fireworks launched from the four sails of Sydney's iconic Opera House for the first time in more than a decade

Tourists and locals dance to celebrate the New Year in Queenstown, New Zealand

Tourists and locals dance to celebrate the New Year in Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is among the first nations to see in the New Year

New Zealand is among the first nations to see in the New Year

Happy New Year! New Zealand celebrates arrival of 2014

As midnight struck in New Zealand a fireworks display erupted over the city as thousands danced in the streets below As midnight struck in New Zealand a fireworks display erupted over the city as thousands danced in the streets below

Sportsmen in Allahabad, India light candles to celebrate New Year's Eve at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium

Sportsmen in Allahabad, India light candles to celebrate New Year's Eve at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium

A Buddhist woman attaches her name card on a lantern ahead of the New Year at Chogye Buddhist temple in Seoul, South Korea

A Buddhist woman attaches her name card on a lantern ahead of the New Year at Chogye Buddhist temple in Seoul, South Korea

Gearing up for the New Year, students in China use light pens to welcome 2014

Gearing up for the New Year, students in China use light pens to welcome 2014

Organisers say they will also create a burst of light out of fireworks to imitate a sunrise and dazzle spectators with a United Arab Emirates flag that could also break records for being the largest ever made out of fireworks.

The six-minute extravaganza will include 500,000 fireworks from 400 firing locations, all synchronized by 100 computers from stations across the city, said Barrett Wissman, co-chairman of IMG Artists that is managing the event. Guinness World Record officials will be on hand to measure the scale of the event.

Wissman said the display will cover 30 miles (48 kilometers) of seafront. 'It is really mind-blowing, the size of this,' he said.

Couples embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Couples embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Revelers embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach

Revelers embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach

Dubai goes huge for 2014 New Year's Eve firework display

Actors dressed as the Russian Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), right, and his companion Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), left, take part a New Year parade in the Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek Actors dressed as the Russian Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), right, and his companion Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), left, take part a New Year parade in the Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek

Musicians wearing Christmas costumes take part in the New Year parade in Bishkek. New Year, which was the biggest informal holiday of the year in the former Soviet Union, is also very popular in the predominantly Muslim Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan

Musicians wearing Christmas costumes take part in the New Year parade in Bishkek. New Year, which was the biggest informal holiday of the year in the former Soviet Union, is also very popular in the predominantly Muslim Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan

China was planning to count down to the New Year with light shows at two spectacular and historic locations - part of the Great Wall near Beijing and at the Bund waterfront in Shanghai.

In Beijing, one flower shop manager said he hoped the new year brought more customers.

'Since the government started its campaign to crack down on luxury spending and promote frugality, our business with government agencies has been in decline,' said Mao Xiangfei. 'In the past, government clients accounted for about 10 percent of our business, but now it's zero.'

But in one polluted Chinese city, the celebrations were slated to be quieter as authorities in Wuhan in central Hubei province called off their annual New Year fireworks show and banned fireworks downtown to avoid making the smoggy air worse.

Shinto priests walk toward the main hall to hold a shinto ritual in preparation for the New Year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. It is expected that around three million people will visit the shrine to pray for their health, happiness and property during the first days of 2014

Shinto priests walk toward the main hall to hold a shinto ritual in preparation for the New Year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. It is expected that around three million people will visit the shrine to pray for their health, happiness and property during the first days of 2014

Shinto priests walk under a 'torii' (Japanese gate located at the entrance of a Shinto shrine) after they participated to a shinto ritual in preparation for the New Year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan

Shinto priests walk under a 'torii' (Japanese gate located at the entrance of a Shinto shrine) after they participated to a shinto ritual in preparation for the New Year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan

In Japan, thousands of visitors, some donning kimono, prayed, rang a bell and tossed coins as offerings at shrines, wishing for health, wealth and happiness. Temple bells rang the customary 108 times, for the 108 causes of suffering according to Buddhism, and to welcome in the Year of the Horse.

Japanese are hopeful about the economy for the first time in years after some signs of revival under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose easing lending policies and pump-priming measures have been dubbed 'Abenomics.'

Among those upbeat about what the new year might bring is Junya Sakata, a 23-year-old Tokyo waiter looking forward to taking sommelier classes next year so he can move up in his career.

'I hope the economy will keep improving, building up to the 2020 Olympics,' he said, which will be held in Tokyo. 'So many things happened this year, but I was able to grow. Maybe next year I will find a girlfriend.'

The 9.30pm New Year's Eve fireworks at Yarra Park beside the Melbourne Cricket Ground

The 9.30pm New Year's Eve fireworks at Yarra Park beside the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Thousands of people gathered on Princes Bridge in Melbourne waiting for midnight to strike

Thousands of people gathered on Princes Bridge in Melbourne waiting for midnight to strike

In North Korea, a group of tourists, including Americans, planned to watch fireworks in Kim Il Sung Square and watch the Pyongyang Bell strike midnight, said Andrea Lee, CEO of Uritours, a tour group specializing in travel to North Korea.

'There were a lot of people out on the streets today for an outdoor dance event, and cars filled the streets,' Ms Lee said.

In Hong Kong, tens of thousands turned out to watch the fireworks display over the southern Chinese city's famed Victoria Harbor.

In Indonesia, New Year's celebrations are widespread except in the city of Banda Aceh where Islamic clerics prohibit Muslims from celebrating New Year's Eve.

In the capital, Jakarta, Governor Joko Widodo will lead a festival featuring concerts, parades, a marching band and fireworks.

While organizers in cities like Chicago and New York were just starting to block off streets in preparation for the evening's events, festivities were well under way in other parts of the globe.

As midnight struck in Sydney, Australia, a massive fireworks display lit up the night sky around the city's famed Harbor Bridge and Opera House. New Year's organizers in Dubai were attempting to break the Guinness World Record for largest fireworks display.

Meanwhile in London Ian Guy and Alice Summerill from Bristol arrive early to get a prime spot to watch the Southbank fireworks show illuminate the capital as midnight strikes in the UK

Meanwhile in London Ian Guy and Alice Summerill from Bristol arrive early to get a prime spot to watch the Southbank fireworks show illuminate the capital as midnight strikes in the UK

Dozens of Portaloos are moved into position close to Parliament as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to London today

Dozens of Portaloos are moved into position close to Parliament as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to London today

Barriers have been erected around the fountains in Trafalgar Square to try and stop revellers jumping in the water amid the excitement as the clock strikes 12am

Barriers have been erected around the fountains in Trafalgar Square to try and stop revellers jumping in the water amid the excitement as the clock strikes 12am

Vladimir Putin has added a twist to the stolid ritual of Russian presidential New Year's Eve address by doing two versions this year.

Russian leaders traditionally make short, prerecorded messages to be broadcast as the year begins in each of the country's nine time zones.

The address broadcast in Russia's Far East was typical, showing Putin at the Kremlin and calling for Russians to work together, according to Russian news websites.

But an hour later, Putin came out with a different speech mentioning this week's suicide bombings in Volgograd that killed 34 people and vowing to destroy terrorists, reports said.

Putin made that recording Tuesday while visiting the city of Khabarovsk. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there wasn't time to get it to the Far East, according to Ekho Moskvy radio.

   
   

 Last night, as the stroke of midnight rolled across the world's time zones, people gathered in private and took to the streets to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, 2014. Fireworks erupted from Sydney to Moscow, and revelers gathered in Kiev, Durban, Rio de Janeiro, New York, and thousands of other places, raising a glass, keeping warm, making resolutions, and wishing each other a "Happy New Year

A reveler writes "2014" with sparklers ahead of New Year's Eve, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on December 30, 2013.(Reuters/Benoit Tessier)

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Fireworks explode over the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia, on January 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) #

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A dog wears a sign at a rally against firecrackers and fireworks during New Year revelries in Manila, Philippines on December 29, 2013. The group said the loud explosions from firecrackers, traditionally set off to welcome the New Year and drive away bad spirits, can also harm on the sensitive ears of humans and animals. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) #

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Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year in Hong Kong, on January 1, 2014. (Reuters/Tyrone Siu) #

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Lights and lasers illuminate the Great Wall of China to celebrate the new year before a new year countdown event at the Badaling section of the Great Wall, in Beijing, on December 31, 2013. (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon) #

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Fireworks explode over Juche Tower and the Taedong River in Pyongyang, North Korea to celebrate the New Year, on January 1, 2014.(AP Photo/Kim Kwang Hyon) #

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Fireworks explode during a pyrotechnics show to celebrate the New Year in the coastal city of Valparaiso, about 121 km (75 miles) northwest of Santiago, on January 1, 2014. (Reuters/Eliseo Fernandez) #

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People celebrate the arrival of the new year during a 2014 new year's countdown party in Yangon, Burma, on January 1, 2014.(Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun) #

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People celebrate the new year during a 2014 New Year's countdown party in Yangon, on January 1, 2014.(Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty Images) #

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People offer prayers on the first day of the new year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, on January 1, 2014. Many people from across Japan visit shrines and temples to make new year wishes as they pray for the safety of the household, good relationships and success in business on the first day of the New Year. (Reuters/Yuya Shino) #

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An Indian boy lights the effigy of an old man, symbolizing the burning of the past, and getting ready to start a happy New Year without bad memories of the past in Mumbai, India, on January 1, 2014.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) #

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Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, on January 1, 2014 to celebrate the new year. Dubai kicked off New Year with a dazzling bid for a new world record to cap those the Gulf city state already holds for its mammoth property developments. The glittering fireworks display that lasted around six minutes spanned over 100 kilometers (60 miles) of the Dubai coast, which boasts an archipelago of man-made islands and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. (Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images) #

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An Indian Sikh devotee takes a holy dip in the sacred pond at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on January 1, 2014. Thousands of Sikh devotees stand in a queue to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, Sikhs' holiest shrine, on the first day of the New Year.(AP Photo/Sanjeev Syal) #

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Revellers enjoy the countdown to the New Year celebrations in Moscow's Red Square, on December 31, 2013.(Reuters/Tatyana Makeyeva) #

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Fireworks explode over the Rhine, the Cologne Cathedral in the background, during a New Year's party in Cologne, Germany, on January 1, 2014. (Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images) #

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A woman holds a champagne bottle during New Year's celebrations in Bucharest, Romania, on January 1, 2014. Tens of thousands of Romanians took to the streets of the Romanian capital to join parties and watch fireworks. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) #

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Gunners of the historical "Grenadier Corps 1810' greet the new year with twelve cannon salutes in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, on January 1, 2014. This New Year's tradition dates back to 1633 remembering an overcome siege during the Thirty Year's War.(AP Photo/dpa, Patrick Seeger) #

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The Allendale tar barrel men carry the burning whiskey barrels on their heads which are 2ft across, primed with tar, shavings and a pint of paraffin as part of the Baal fire in Allendale, England, on December 31, 2013. The Allendale Baal Fire takes place every year on 31st December as a farewell to the past 12 months which has been in existence since the Dark Ages. On New Year's Eve the small town is full of visitors and down from the hill farms come the shepherds, flockmasters and farm workers to watch or take part in the Baal.(AP Photo/Scott Heppell) #

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Fireworks light the sky above the Mariendom (Cathedral of Mary), right, and the St. Severi's Church, left, shortly after midnight during New Year's Eve celebrations in Erfurt, Germany, on January 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer) #

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Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth, on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland.(Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) #

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Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill during the New Year's Eve celebrations in Athens, on January 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) #

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People celebrate the New Year on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, on January 1, 2014. (Pierre Andrieu/AFP/Getty Images) #

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Pro-European Union activists hold lights while singing the Ukrainian national anthem as they celebrate the New Year in Kiev's main square early on January 1, 2014, in Ukraine. At least 100,000 Ukrainians sang the country's national anthem together at the square on New Year's Eve in a sign of support for integration with Europe. Opposition leaders had called on Ukrainians to come to the Maidan on New Year's Eve and sing the national anthem in an act of defiance and what they expected could be the record-breaking live singing of an anthem.(AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) #

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Fireworks explode over the city of Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountains during New Year celebrations, on January 1, 2014.(Reuters/Dominic Ebenbichler) #

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People enjoy a drink in Puerta del Sol in Madrid, on December 31, 2013 during New Year celebrations.(Gerard Julien/AFP/Getty Images) #

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Lifeguards control the crowd as people visit the beach on New Year's Day in Durban, South Africa, on January 1, 2014.(Reuters/Rogan Ward) #

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Fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben just after midnight on January 1, 2014 in London, England. Thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames in central London to see in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. (Oli Scarff/Getty Images) #

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Sushi, portrayed by Gary Marion, hangs in a giant replica of a women's red high heel over Duval Street, on December 31, 2013, at the Bourbon Street Pub Complex in Key West, Florida, The Red Shoe Drop is a Key West New Year's Eve tradition and is one of four Florida Keys warm-weather takeoffs on New York City's ball drop marking the beginning of the new year.(AP Photo/Florida Keys News Bureau, Andy Newman) #

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People on a rooftop in the Pavao Pavaozinho slum watch fireworks exploding over Copacabana beach during New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) #

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Fireworks light the sky over Copacabana beach during New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, on January 1, 2014.(AP Photo/Leo Correa) #

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Partygoers smoke marijuana during a Prohibition-era themed New Year's Eve party celebrating the start of retail pot sales, at a bar in Denver, on January 1, 2013. Colorado is to begin marijuana retail sales on January 1, a day some are calling "Green Wednesday."(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) #

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Confetti is dropped on revelers at midnight during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square in New York, on January 1, 2014.(Reuters/Gary Hershorn) #

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Rob Rudolph and Amanda Weaber share a kiss after midnight during the New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square, on January 1, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) #

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Fireworks go off at midnight on New Year's Eve in Times Square in New York, on January 1, 2014. (Reuters/Carlo Allegri) #

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Diana Vy of Philadelphia strikes a pose as she is photographed by friends amid police and confetti after New Year celebrations in Times Square, Midtown, New York, on January 1, 2014. (Reuters/Adrees Latif) #

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Fireworks fill the air in the bay over the Oakland and San Francisco skylines, divided by the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, as part of New Year's Eve celebrations in a view from Oakland, California, on January 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) #

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A couple kisses while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

   

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