London told the world the city is “A Place for Everyone” as thousands of revellers started 2024 with fireworks and drones that lit up the sky over the English capital.
“London: A Place for Everyone” was written high above the crowds after the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight.
The display, a mix of fireworks, drones and narration, marked the king’s coronation year and also used King Charles’ quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing from the West Indies in which he said the new arrivals “collectively enrich the fabric of our national life”.
New Year’s celebrations across UAE - in pictures
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Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the new year with fireworks and a drone show. RAK Media Office -
Ras Al Khaimah's firework display was a sea of colour. RAK Media Office -
Ras Al Khaimah chased a Guinness World Record of the longest straight-line drones display. RAK Media Office -
Fireworks light up the sky by the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai. AFP -
Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Fireworks over the Corniche in Abu Dhabi bring in 2024. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Light is projected from the Burj Khalifa just before the new year fireworks show begins. Reuters -
Fireworks light up the sky by the Burj Al Arab hotel. AFP -
Fireworks displays along Dubai's coast on the stroke of midnight. AFP -
Fireworks for New Years Eve in the UAE at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Fireworks for China during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Fireworks for Pakistan during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Fireworks for India during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Fireworks for Bangladesh during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A young visitor watches the performances during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Performers during New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Syrian cultural performers during New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Selfies for New Year's Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors take selfies for New Years Eve at Global Village, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
There were repeated references to London’s diversity and inclusivity, with the capital telling the world everyone is welcome in a city where people can be themselves.
The show, designed by the Cambridgeshire-based pyrotechnics firm Titanium Fireworks, boasted more than 12,000 fireworks.
Revellers also gathered for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay firework display as musicians hyped the crowd up for an evening of entertainment.
Thousands of people attended a sold out Princes Garden Street Party and Concert in the Gardens in what marked the festival's 30th anniversary.
The event, organised by UniqueAssembly and City of Edinburgh Council, was headlined by Pulp, who have not played in the city in 20 years.
Following their set, the fireworks began at midnight and ended at around 00.50am on Monday.
