New Year’s Eve latest: Australia and New Zealand get ready to ring in 2024

By admin On Dec 31, 2023

Key points

Countries prepare to ring in the new year

In pictures

09:41:23 Police creating ‘buffer zone’ around Times Square celebrations

Police are creating a “buffer zone” around the Times Square party in New York amid near-daily protests sparked by the Israel-Hamas war, the city’s mayor has said.

At a security briefing, Eric Adams said there were “no specific threats” to the annual New Year’s Eve bash, but the security perimeter around it will be extended to allow officials to head off potential demonstrations.

“We will be out here with our canines, on horseback, our helicopters, our boats,” Mr Adams said.

Officials will also monitor protests with drones, he said.

During last year’s party, a machete-wielding man attacked three police officers a few blocks from Times Square.

09:32:03 Britons facing severe winds during New Year’s Eve celebrations

Parts of the UK are set to see severe winds during New Year’s Eve celebrations today, with a yellow weather warning in place until just before midnight.

The warning covers the south and southwest of Wales, much of the south of England, including the Isle of Wight, and the South West.

People have been told to expect severe gales, with heavy showers potentially leading to disruption to road, rail, air and ferry journeys.

Bus and train journeys may also be affected, and short term losses of power are possible in some areas.

In London and the south, winds are expected to strengthen, while scattered, blustery showers are expected to develop throughout the day, possibly thundery along southern coasts.

Some brighter spells are possible between showers.

You can keep an eye on the latest weather updates below…

09:14:41 90,000 officers deployed in France as minister warns of ‘very high terrorist threat’

Some 90,000 police officers are set to be deployed across France today as the country beefs up security ahead of tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Domestic intelligence chief Celine Berthon said of those officers, 6,000 will be in Paris where more than 1.5 million people are expected to attend festivities on the Champs-Elysees.

Speaking at a news conference, French interior minister Gerald Darmanin warned there is a “very high terrorist threat” partly due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Mr Darmanin said police for the first time will be able to use drones as part of security work and that tens of thousands of firefighters and 5,000 soldiers would also be deployed.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in the French capital will centre on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including DJ sets, fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe, according to the City of Paris.

Other planned events include “the largest Mexican wave ever performed” and a “giant karaoke”.

A ban on the sale of alcohol on and around the Champs Elysees has also been enforced and the public will not be able to access the area with glass bottles and flasks.

09:04:44 In pictures: New Yorkers practice New Year’s Eve celebrations

In New York, rehearsals have been taking place for tonight’s celebrations over the last few days.

The US city is renowned for its huge ball drop and part in Times Square.

This year’s event celebrity-filled event will include live performances from Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion and LL Cool J, as well as televised appearances from Cardi B and others.

08:41:16 What time does 2024 arrive around the world?

Whether it’s fireworks displays, light shows or a big ball drop, as 2023 comes to an end, celebrations will begin to erupt across the world.

Using UK time, here is a brief overview of when countries will ring in the new year.

10am: Pacific islands, including Samoa and Kiribati Island

11am: New Zealand

1pm: Australia

3pm: North Korea, South Korea

4pm: Taiwan, Hong Kong, China

5pm: Thailand

6.30pm: India

9pm: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, Ukraine

10pm: South Africa

11pm: Germany

1 January

3am: Brazil

5am: New York

8am: Los Angeles

08:31:06 Final New Year’s Eve preparations under way in Australia and New Zealand

Final preparations are under way in New Zealand and Australia who will be among the first countries to ring in 2024.

Rain in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is expected to ease by midnight (11am UK time) when Sky Tower – the nation’s tallest structure – erupts with fireworks.

Two hours later in neighbouring Australia, the Sydney Harbor Bridge will become the focal point of midnight fireworks display and light show.

More police than ever have been deployed throughout Sydney as they prepare for more than one million people gathering at the harbour waterfront for the best available views, state authorities said in a statement.

Many people have been camping at the best vantage points since this morning.

The waterfront has recently been the scene of heated pro-Palestinian protests after the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag.

08:31:03 Good morning

Welcome to our live coverage as country’s around the world prepare to kick off New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Among the first places to ring in 2024 will be Kiritimati on Kiribati Island in the central Pacific Ocean at 10am.

So, whether you are saying good riddance to 2023 or celebrating a fantastic year, we’ll be here throughout the day bringing you the latest.

Stay tuned, we’ll start reporting live updates shortly…

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