Auld bang syne
Partygoers defy terror threat to usher in 2018
REVELLERS across the world welcomed 2018 in spectacular style.
Many countries deployed their highest-ever levels of security after a string of terror attacks on major cities in 2017 but partygoers were not put off and turned out in force.
Australasian nations, the first to greet the New Year, got the party under way.
In New Zealand, where 2018 began at 11am UK time, awesome fireworks in Auckland were followed by a sizzling show in Sydney, Australia.
In London up to 250,000 people gathered to watch the traditional firework display. The South Bank, Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Bridge and around Parliament, were clogged with revellers.
The capital’s fireworks featured a soundtrack dominated by female artists to mark the centenary of women being granted the vote. Hits by Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Ariana
Grande, Dua Lipa and Florence Welch were among those included in the women-only second half of the bash. Big Ben’s famous bongs were put back into action to greet 2018, before being silenced once again for repairs.
In Manchester, thousands also flocked to the city centre, to enjoy live music and fireworks in Albert Square. In Newcastle partygoers aimed to have a high old Tyne as they flooded the city to see in the New Year on the quayside.
But Brits had more than just a long day of celebration to contend with as Storm Dylan, with gusts of more than 80mph, gripped the North, Scotland and part of Wales early on. Luckily the worst was over by late afternoon.
Amid the partying, our major cities were reminded of the terror attacks that blighted Britain in 2017. In London, fences were reinforced with metal barriers along the Embankment and obstacles to block vehicles were set up around bridges. Undercover police mixed with revellers. Met Police Supt Nick Aldworth said: “We are providing a proportionate number of officers based on the threat, number of people coming and the secure environment we’ve been able to build.” In New York City, its big gala in a chilly Times Square, again featuring Mariah Carey, was set to have the tightest security ever. In Berlin there were concrete blocks outside the Brandenburg Gate along with bag searches for the first time in the city’s history. Authorities also established a “safe zone” for women who felt harassed or threatened.