Cities around the world are getting ready to ring in 2025 in style.
Auckland was the first major city to welcome 2025 with thousands of revellers counting down to the New Year and cheering at colourful fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower, and a spectacular downtown light show
Countries in the South Pacific are the first to ring in the New Year with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York.
In Australia, fireworks blasted off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the bay to welcome the New Year. More than a million people had gathered at Sydney Harbour for the celebration featuring British pop star Robbie Williams, who led a singalong with the crowd.
The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth, alluding to the reptile’s shedding of its 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
New Year’s celebrations in Jakarta will feature a dazzling fireworks display, including an airshow featuring 800 drones, followed by countdowns to midnight at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout.
Celebrations were scaled back or cancelled in South Korea following the Muan air crash on Sunday in which 179 people died.
UK PM says 2025 is year ‘of changing Britain for the better’
In his first new year’s speech as UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer says 2024 has been a “year of change”.
He paid homage to the sporting moment that was agonising for some, when England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain, before getting more serious.
Looking ahead, Starmer tells citizens: “I want to be clear: until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you.
“A fight for change that will define this year, next year and, indeed, every waking hour of this government.”
Referencing the government’s plans to build new homes, create a new energy system, cut NHS waiting lists and reduce immigration, he says “that is what we will be focusing on. A year of rebuilding, but also rediscovering the great nation that we are “Here’s to a year of changing Britain for the better.”
New year addresses: What world leaders are saying
Many world leaders have been looking back on 2024 and looking ahead to the coming year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his new year message to tell his country “we are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward”. He also paid tribute to soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated those who have been fighting for the country’s independence and looked forward to 2025.
“Ukraine stands firmly on its feet, does not bow its head, looks ahead and believes in its future and victory,” he told the country in an address. “I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride.”
Xi Jinping, China’s president, said the economy was “overall stable and progressing” and they will overcome new challenges with “hard work”.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron said his decision to dissolve the French National Assembly “brought more instability to the Assembly than solutions for the French”.
He also spoke of security, referencing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, attacks in Europe, the events in Syria and elections in Georgia.
Cities tighten security ahead of new year celebrationspublished at 00:5300:53
As new year events in cities draw huge crowds across the world, many have a heightened police presence to keep people safe during the celebrations:
