New Year's Eve 2015 celebrations around the world - Singapore celebrates start of 2016
New Year's Eve celebrations are kicking off around the world to mark the arrival of 2016
Happy New Year! Countdown to 2016::
Happy New Year from Newfoundland
A chunk of Canada gets to celebrate ahead of the rest of North America.
Vilnius
Fireworks light the sky above the Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania Photo: AP
23:56
Athens
Fireworks explode above the ancient temple of Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill during the New Year celebrations in Athens Photo: AFP
23:55
Berlin
Fireworks explode behind the Quadriga statue atop the Brandenburg Gate Photo: Getty Images
23:42
Edinburgh
Jordan Pitt and Jessica Taylor watch fireworks as they celebrate the Hogmanay New Year celebrations in Edinburgh Photo: PA
23:40
London
Revellers in central London during the New Year celebrations Photo: PA
22:48
Watch: Fireworks light up sky over the Kremlin
22:07
A bit more detail on the situation in Munich
Pasinger rail station and the central station have been evacuated and no trains are running. Police have asked the public to follow their instructions and stay away
22:05
BREAKING
Police in Munich, Germany, are warning of a potential terrorist attack in the city centre. "Current indications that in # Munich terrorist attack is planned. Please avoid crowds and the train stations Hauptbahnhof + Pasing"
21:55
Moscow
Police photograph fireworks as they guard Red Square in Moscow
21:37
Giza smile!
A woman photographs her friend in front of the Great Pyramids illuminated for New Year's Eve in Giza, near Cairo, Egypt
21:22
Dawn, 01.01.16
Visitors to Australia's Bondi Beach sleep after the first sunrise of the New Year in Sydney
21:07
Watch: Dubai fireworks
20:57
Fireworks at Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel
The display went head despite a huge fire at the nearby Address hotel, with the number of injured still unconfirmed
20:52
The first baby of 2016 has been born in Manilla, Philippines
Baby Kashmir Mancilla, sleeps in her mother Mary Ann's chest in the recovery room of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital after becoming the first baby to be born in the hospital for the New Year. Photo: AP
20:49
Westminister, London
Big Ben is illuminated in blue in support of Unicef
20:42
And a velvety neues Jahr from Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski
20:29
Cat power
20:19
The countdown continues!
But for everyone hoping next year turns out better than the last....
19:57
Skies over world-famous temple illuminated as Thailand rings in 2016
Fireworks over Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok
19:54
Large crowds celebrate in the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, India
A large crowd gathers in Lucknow, India
19:44
Ever wondered what they do for New Year's in Gotham City?
19:03
Burmese ways
Fireworks near the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
18:51
Are we about to go Back To The Future?
18:45
Not a patch on North London, of course...
18:29
And here's how the Big Apple did it 50 years ago
18:24
China
Lanterns on a river in Zhouzhuang, China
18:17
NYC on NYE. Stunning
18:03
Huge fire erupts at Dubai hotel ahead of New Year celebrations
My colleague Jessica Winch is following events in Dubai as they develop...
17:56
Shocking video of fire at Dubai Address
Reports at least one explosion heard
@cnnbrk address hotel in Dubai next to Burj Khalifa on firepic.twitter.com/LzzkAYpIy2
— Adam Szczepanski (@A_Champanski) December 31, 2015
17:50
BREAKING
A huge fire has broken out at the Address hotel in Dubai, not far from a New Year's Eve firework display. More soon....
17:00
Malaysia
Fireworks explode in front of Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
16:56
South Korea
Oppa Gangneung style
People celebrate with fireworks during an event of the New Year on Jeongdongjin beach in Gangneung, Ganwon province, South Korea Photo: EPA
16:51
More fireworks!
This time in Hong Kong
16:46
Dutch courage?
There's a lesson for Louis Van Gaal in here somwhere
People watch explosions during a carbide shooting, a Dutch New Year's Eve tradition to scare off evil spirits, in Aadorp
16:41
Meanwhile, in Taiwan...
Fireworks explode from Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, the Taipei 101, during New Year celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan Photo: Reuters
16:35
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tweet New Year's greetings
16:25
It's 2016 in Singapore
16:15
Celebrities share their plans for the night
What will Richard Branson be doing, I hear you cry. Fortunately, the man himself has shared his plans with his 7million followers - along with a picture of a his very shiny shirt.
Piers Morgan has other plans...
That's all from me, I'll be handing over to my colleague Luke Heighton for the rest of this evening's coverage now.
16:12
2016 in Thailand
In around 50 minutes, Thailand will be welcoming in the new year, and they aren't letting fears of terrorist attacks affect the celebrations.
Less than six months after a pipe bomb killed 20 people at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, tens of thousands are expected to ring in 2016 at the same intersection with live music and a countdown.
Up to 5,000 police will be in the area, with explosive ordnance disposal experts making a sweep ahead of time.
Noisier still will be the celebration along the Chao Phraya River, where tourism officials have promised spectacular fireworks over two of the kingdom's most iconic landmarks, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun - the Temple of Dawn.
Indonesia, on the other hand, is on high alert after authorities said last week that they had foiled a plot by Islamic militants to attack government officials, foreigners and others. About 150,000 police officers and soldiers have been deployed to safeguard churches, airports and other public places.
National Police spokesman Major General Anton Charliyan said security is focused on anticipating attacks in vulnerable regions including the capital, Jakarta, the tourist resort of Bali and restive West Papua, where President Joko Widodo is celebrating the New Year.
More than 9,000 police are deployed in Bali, the site of Indonesia's deadliest terror attack, which killed 202 people in 2002.
16:03
Christ in Manila
While in the Philippines, where it is also midnight now concern tonight is instead focused on the use of illegal fireworks, which last year injured more than 850 people. Shopping malls and cities have organised fireworks displays to discourage people from lighting their own firecrackers. A huge religious sect, the Iglesia ni Cristo, will attempt to break the world record for the largest fireworks display and the highest number of sparklers to be lit in one place.
An annual thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene, a black wooden statue of Jesus Christ, was held a day earlier than usual today to prevent injuries from mounds of trash and unexploded firecrackers that litter Manila's streets after New Year's revelries.
16:00
Hong Kong fireworks
Watch our live feed at the top of this blog to see Hong Kong's firework display. It's not quite Sydney, but what else have you got to do at 4pm in the office?
15:50
Beijing
Next up is China, where it will be midnight in less that 10 minutes. An official New Year's Eve celebration is planned near Beijing's Forbidden City with performances and fireworks, and one of China's most popular TV stations will broadcast a gala from the iconic Bird's Nest stadium.
As I said earlier, Shanghai is closing subways near the scenic waterfront Bund because of a stampede last New Year's Eve that killed 36 people and blemished the image of China's most prosperous and modern metropolis.
Beijing's shopping and bar areas are under a holiday security alert that started before Christmas and has resulted in armed police standing guard at popular commercial areas. Police commonly issue such alerts during holiday periods.
Musicians perform at the Beijing 2016 New Year's Concert at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China Photo: Rex
Follow the live stream at the top of this blog for a dance performance in Beijing, followed by fireworks at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in the capital's Forbidden City.
15:42
Watch celebrations in Tokyo
15:35
Auld Lang Syne
So if you're heading to Edinburgh tonight, make sure you're clued up on the Auld Lang Syne lyrics so you can impress Major Tim.
Check out some fun facts about the song's history here.
15:31
Major Tim Peake to join Hogmanay
British astronaut Tim Peake will send a New Year’s message to Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers direct from the International Space Station.
Major Peake will light up screens in the Scottish capital in the minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
As many as 75,000 revellers from more than 80 countries are expected to attend the street party, enjoying entertainment across four stages and seven screens along the length of Princes Street.
15:15
South Korea welcomes in 2016
These are the scenes from South Korea, where they are also celebrating the start of 2016. The country marks New Year's Eve with traditional bell ringing ceremonies, fireworks and outdoor music and dance performances. Thousands of people, including North Korean refugees, are expected to gather at a town near the border with rival North Korea to watch one of the ceremonies and wish for peaceful Korean unification.
North Korea is expected to mark the new year with a speech by leader Kim Jong Un, which outside observers use to pore over for insight on the reclusive country's policy direction.
South Koreans take pictures of fireworks during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park, Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
South Koreans gather in front of a traditional pavilion during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
Couples take selfie in front of a traditional pavilion during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
Participants prepare to strike a huge traditional bell during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park, Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
15:01
Japan
Happy new year, Japan. Temples across the country will be chiming for Japan's biggest holiday of the year. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true
A visitor writes her wish on a wooden plaque at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true Photo: EPA
A visitor hangs a wooden plaque with her wishes written on it at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true Photo: EPA
Shinto priests walk toward the inner shrine at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan to attend the shinto ritual preparing for the New Year Photo: EPA
Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets.
Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. Photo: Photoshot
14:51
How does Japan celebrate NYE?
New Year's Eve is Japan's biggest holiday, and millions crammed into trains to flee the cities for their hometowns to slurp down bowls of noodles, symbolising longevity, while watching the annual Red and White NHK song competition. As midnight approaches, families bundle up for visits to neighborhood temples, where the ritual ringing of huge bronze bells reverberates through the chill.
Shinto priests leave the shrine's main sanctuary at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to attend the shinto ritual preparing for the New Year Photo: EPA
Tokyo is on special alert for security issues this year, with posters in subways and other public spaces warning people to keep their eyes open for suspicious packages or activities.
Partygoers are releasing balloons to celebrate the New Year by the Tokyo Tower
14:36
World leaders share messages
In the last few minutes global leaders have shared messages for the new year.
This just in from Her Majesty... though the link seems to have mysteriously disappeared
And from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
A feminist message from Hilary Clinton
14:24
NYE countdown in Shanghai cancelled
In China, authorities have also cancelled the annual countdown at the Bund in Shanghai. Rather than a terror attack, it is a precaution against a repeat of last year's deadly stampede. Paramilitary police have been seen patrolling along the Bund.
Chinese paramilitary police patrol along the Bund in Shanghai, China. Authorities cancelled the annual countdown at the Bund as a precaution against a repeat of last year's deadly stampede. Photo: Chinatopix Via AP
14:15
Brussels dismantling '2016'
Sad scenes from Brussels now, where the festivities have been cancelled because of security fears over fears of Paris-style terrorist attacks.
Mayor Yvan Mayeur said it would be impossible to screen the thousands of revelers who would otherwise be gathering in Brussels to ring in the new year.
A worker dismantles equipment that would have been used to celebrate New Year in central Brussels Photo: REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
13:40
Italian cities ban fireworks
Smog is putting a bit of a damper on New Year's Eve celebrations across Italy, with Rome, Milan and other cities banning fireworks because of high levels of air pollution in the country.
Dozens of towns and cities have canceled firework displays and banned setting off firecrackers and other personal pyrotechnics, saying poor air quality and the protection of animals, which can become agitated at the noise, is behind the decision.
Rome and Milan are among the cities that have put restrictions on driving in recent days as levels of pollutions have exceeded legal limits, posing a public health risks. Government officials have drafted new measures to combat the rising pollution levels, exacerbated by a lack of rain and wind, including lowering thermostats and speed limits.
13:30
India
Some fun new year pictures coming out of India - one way to celebrate the arrival of another year on planet earth, is with vegetable art, apparently. This piece is by Indian artist Harwinder Singh Gill, who is displaying his new vegetable artwork made with vegetables in Amritsar.
Indian artist Harwinder Singh Gill displays his new vegetable artwork made with vegetables on New Year's Eve in Amritsar, India Photo: EPA/RAMINDER PAL SINGH
Narendra Modi has announced today that he is using the new year to tackle corruption further. The prime minister said that from tomorrow, interviews for Government jobs in Class-III and Class-IV categories will be abolished.
13:20
Mariah Carey in Australia
Mariah Carey performs at the Crown Casino's New Year's Eve Party at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne
Mariah Carey performs at the Crown Casino's New Year's Eve Party at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
13:00
Sydney
And it's 2016 in Australia! Is this Sydney's best firework display yet? We'll let you know our verdict when they're over in 12 minutes.
Photo: Brendon Thorne/City of Sydney/Getty Images
A red dawn for 2016..
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as Australia's largest city ushers in the New Year Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the 9pm fireworks display in Sydney, Australian Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Watch the display here:
12:45
Sydney awaits 2016
Sydney has become famous for its annual New Year’s eve fireworks display but the hefty cost has attracted controversy in recent years, our reporter in Sydney Jonathan Pearlman writes.
The city has already had its eight-minute 9pm display and will host a second round at midnight which will last about 12 minutes.
An analysis by The Australian Financial Review found that the displays will cost about £22,000 a minute, up 40 per cent from the cost five years ago.
The City of Sydney insisted it was “money well spent”, with more than a million people gathering around the harbour tonight to watch the displays.
12:15
Illegal fireworks nicknamed "Isis" confiscated
Nick Squires in Rome has this story on illegal fireworks making the rounds in Italy:
Police in Italy have confiscated large quantities of illegal fireworks, including powerful devices nicknamed “Isis” after the terrorist network and “the Paris Bomb” after last month’s attacks on the French capital.
Each year in the run-up to New Year’s Eve, the authorities launch crackdowns on the many illegal fireworks that go on sale, the biggest of which often carry macabre names inspired by current events of the preceding 12 months.
In the past there have been mortar-style fireworks nicknamed the “Osama bin Laden” and, during the global debt crisis, “The Spread”.
Dozens of Italians are hurt each New Year’s Eve by exploding rockets and other devices.
On Thursday, police in the town of Caserta, a stronghold of the Camorra mafia near Naples, confiscated 6.5 tonnes of illegally-manufactured fireworks with an estimated value of 400,000 euros.
The largest was named “la Bomba di Parigi” – the Paris Bomb.
They also seized 300kg of home-made gun powder, which was to have been used to produce more fireworks.
In the past few days, police conducted raids across the country, finding fireworks with names such as “Isis” and “Star Wars”.
The fireworks are so dangerous that this year nearly 1,000 towns and cities have banned their use and introduced fines of up to 500 euros for anyone ignoring the regulations.
Last New Year’s Eve, more than 250 people were injured by fireworks, while the year before the total reached 361.
On Wednesday a 22-year-old man of South American origin blew both his hands off while trying to produce a powerful, home-made firework at his home in Varese, north of Milan.
11:50
Terror alert in Turkey
Turkish anti-terror police have arrested eight suspected PKK terrorists in the capital Ankara, who are thought to have been planning a New Year's Eve attack.
A state-run news agency reported the news but did not give details on the nature of the alleged planned attack.
Two under-18s are thought to be among those arrested. Three have appeared in court and one has been released. Four others are still being held by police.
The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, America and the EU.
11:50
Pope's 2016 message
At the Vatican, Pope Francis has tweeted ahead of celebrations.
11:40
The 13 stages of New Year's Eve
It seems hard for me to believe now, being a New Year's scrooge, but there was a time when the night held some fun - the blissfully ignorant childhood years.
Michael Hogan walks us through the 13 phases of celebrating the evening, from the teenage fumble to wondering if this will be our last NYE. Read his comical summary of celebrating the night at every age here.
11:30
Angela Merkel's New Year message
Meanwhile in Germany, Angela Merkel will use her annual televised New Year's address this evening to make an appeal for unity, as Germany deals with the massive influx of more than 1m refugees to the country in 2015.
Our reporter in Berlin, Justin Huggler, reports:
"Properly tackled, today's great task of dealing with the arrival and integration of so many people is also an opportunity for tomorrow," the German chancellor is to say, according to a text released in advance.
"It is clear that the inlfux of so many people will demand a lot more from us. That is time, energy and money. But a country has always benefited from successful immigration. It is vital that we are not divided by generations or by class, or between long-term residents and new citizens."
Mrs Merkel is to speak out against anti-refugee protests that have gripped Germany in recent months without naming the Pegida anti-immigrant movement or far-Right groups believed to be behind a series of arson attacks on refugee shelters.
"It is vital that no one claims Germanness only for themselves with coldness or even hatred in their hearts," she will say.
The speech, which will be aired on various German television channels at different times this evening, will be broadcast with English and Arabic subtitles for the first time.
The Chancellor is to say that she wants to "above all" thank Germans for their willingness to help asylum-seekers.
"I want to thank the countless volunteers for the warmth and commitment that will be forever associated with 2015," she will say.
The speech touches on many of the same themes as an address to her party conference a few weeks ago that has been seen in Germany as the moment Mrs Merkel reasserted her authority after weeks of falling polls.
11:15
Sky Tower display
New Zealand has opened the new year with its traditional Sky Tower firework display in Auckland - watch here:
11:00
New Year in New Zealand
Happy New Year, New Zealand! The kiwis have opened the new year with their traditional Sky Tower firework display.
Australia seems to be trying to steal New Zealand's thunder with a pre-New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney.
They've given the Kiwis a run for their money with some stunning effects.
Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images
The usual firework display in Sydney will follow in a couple of hours, when it turns midnight in Australia.
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the 9pm fireworks display in Sydney, Australian Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Around 1.5 million people watch the annual Sydney Harbour New Year's Eve show from along the harbour foreshore.
Last year around 10,000 aerial fireworks, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 pyrotechnic effects were planned.
Partygoers wait for the New Year's fireworks in Sydney, Australia Photo: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images
10:48
Torchlit procession kicks off Hogmanay celebrations:
10:25
Happy New Year? Twitter users left confused over first day of 2016
There were premature New Year celebrations on Twitter as a few companies began celebrating the start of 2016 a little too early.
See who else experienced the perilous side of social media here.
10:10
NYE festivities cancelled around the world
NYE festivities have been cancelled around the world over fears of terror threats.
New Year's Eve celebrations are kicking off around the world to mark the arrival of 2016
Happy New Year! Countdown to 2016::
Happy New Year from Newfoundland
A chunk of Canada gets to celebrate ahead of the rest of North America.
Major Tim Peake wishes everyone in the UK a Happy New Year
23:57Vilnius
Fireworks light the sky above the Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania Photo: AP
23:56
Athens
Fireworks explode above the ancient temple of Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill during the New Year celebrations in Athens Photo: AFP
23:55
Berlin
Fireworks explode behind the Quadriga statue atop the Brandenburg Gate Photo: Getty Images
23:42
Edinburgh
Jordan Pitt and Jessica Taylor watch fireworks as they celebrate the Hogmanay New Year celebrations in Edinburgh Photo: PA
23:40
London
Revellers in central London during the New Year celebrations Photo: PA
22:48
Watch: Fireworks light up sky over the Kremlin
22:07
A bit more detail on the situation in Munich
Pasinger rail station and the central station have been evacuated and no trains are running. Police have asked the public to follow their instructions and stay away
22:05
BREAKING
Police in Munich, Germany, are warning of a potential terrorist attack in the city centre. "Current indications that in # Munich terrorist attack is planned. Please avoid crowds and the train stations Hauptbahnhof + Pasing"
21:55
Moscow
Police photograph fireworks as they guard Red Square in Moscow
21:37
Giza smile!
A woman photographs her friend in front of the Great Pyramids illuminated for New Year's Eve in Giza, near Cairo, Egypt
21:22
Dawn, 01.01.16
Visitors to Australia's Bondi Beach sleep after the first sunrise of the New Year in Sydney
21:07
Watch: Dubai fireworks
20:57
Fireworks at Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel
The display went head despite a huge fire at the nearby Address hotel, with the number of injured still unconfirmed
20:52
The first baby of 2016 has been born in Manilla, Philippines
Baby Kashmir Mancilla, sleeps in her mother Mary Ann's chest in the recovery room of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital after becoming the first baby to be born in the hospital for the New Year. Photo: AP
20:49
Westminister, London
Big Ben is illuminated in blue in support of Unicef
20:42
And a velvety neues Jahr from Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski
20:29
Cat power
20:19
The countdown continues!
But for everyone hoping next year turns out better than the last....
19:57
Skies over world-famous temple illuminated as Thailand rings in 2016
Fireworks over Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok
19:54
Large crowds celebrate in the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, India
A large crowd gathers in Lucknow, India
19:44
Ever wondered what they do for New Year's in Gotham City?
19:03
Burmese ways
Fireworks near the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
18:51
Are we about to go Back To The Future?
18:45
Not a patch on North London, of course...
18:29
And here's how the Big Apple did it 50 years ago
18:24
China
Lanterns on a river in Zhouzhuang, China
18:17
NYC on NYE. Stunning
18:03
Huge fire erupts at Dubai hotel ahead of New Year celebrations
My colleague Jessica Winch is following events in Dubai as they develop...
17:56
Shocking video of fire at Dubai Address
Reports at least one explosion heard
@cnnbrk address hotel in Dubai next to Burj Khalifa on firepic.twitter.com/LzzkAYpIy2
— Adam Szczepanski (@A_Champanski) December 31, 2015
17:50
BREAKING
A huge fire has broken out at the Address hotel in Dubai, not far from a New Year's Eve firework display. More soon....
17:00
Malaysia
Fireworks explode in front of Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
16:56
South Korea
Oppa Gangneung style
People celebrate with fireworks during an event of the New Year on Jeongdongjin beach in Gangneung, Ganwon province, South Korea Photo: EPA
16:51
More fireworks!
This time in Hong Kong
16:46
Dutch courage?
There's a lesson for Louis Van Gaal in here somwhere
People watch explosions during a carbide shooting, a Dutch New Year's Eve tradition to scare off evil spirits, in Aadorp
16:41
Meanwhile, in Taiwan...
Fireworks explode from Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, the Taipei 101, during New Year celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan Photo: Reuters
16:35
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tweet New Year's greetings
16:25
It's 2016 in Singapore
16:15
Celebrities share their plans for the night
What will Richard Branson be doing, I hear you cry. Fortunately, the man himself has shared his plans with his 7million followers - along with a picture of a his very shiny shirt.
Piers Morgan has other plans...
That's all from me, I'll be handing over to my colleague Luke Heighton for the rest of this evening's coverage now.
16:12
2016 in Thailand
In around 50 minutes, Thailand will be welcoming in the new year, and they aren't letting fears of terrorist attacks affect the celebrations.
Less than six months after a pipe bomb killed 20 people at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, tens of thousands are expected to ring in 2016 at the same intersection with live music and a countdown.
Up to 5,000 police will be in the area, with explosive ordnance disposal experts making a sweep ahead of time.
Noisier still will be the celebration along the Chao Phraya River, where tourism officials have promised spectacular fireworks over two of the kingdom's most iconic landmarks, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun - the Temple of Dawn.
Indonesia, on the other hand, is on high alert after authorities said last week that they had foiled a plot by Islamic militants to attack government officials, foreigners and others. About 150,000 police officers and soldiers have been deployed to safeguard churches, airports and other public places.
National Police spokesman Major General Anton Charliyan said security is focused on anticipating attacks in vulnerable regions including the capital, Jakarta, the tourist resort of Bali and restive West Papua, where President Joko Widodo is celebrating the New Year.
More than 9,000 police are deployed in Bali, the site of Indonesia's deadliest terror attack, which killed 202 people in 2002.
16:03
Christ in Manila
While in the Philippines, where it is also midnight now concern tonight is instead focused on the use of illegal fireworks, which last year injured more than 850 people. Shopping malls and cities have organised fireworks displays to discourage people from lighting their own firecrackers. A huge religious sect, the Iglesia ni Cristo, will attempt to break the world record for the largest fireworks display and the highest number of sparklers to be lit in one place.
An annual thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene, a black wooden statue of Jesus Christ, was held a day earlier than usual today to prevent injuries from mounds of trash and unexploded firecrackers that litter Manila's streets after New Year's revelries.
16:00
Hong Kong fireworks
Watch our live feed at the top of this blog to see Hong Kong's firework display. It's not quite Sydney, but what else have you got to do at 4pm in the office?
15:50
Beijing
Next up is China, where it will be midnight in less that 10 minutes. An official New Year's Eve celebration is planned near Beijing's Forbidden City with performances and fireworks, and one of China's most popular TV stations will broadcast a gala from the iconic Bird's Nest stadium.
As I said earlier, Shanghai is closing subways near the scenic waterfront Bund because of a stampede last New Year's Eve that killed 36 people and blemished the image of China's most prosperous and modern metropolis.
Beijing's shopping and bar areas are under a holiday security alert that started before Christmas and has resulted in armed police standing guard at popular commercial areas. Police commonly issue such alerts during holiday periods.
Musicians perform at the Beijing 2016 New Year's Concert at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China Photo: Rex
Follow the live stream at the top of this blog for a dance performance in Beijing, followed by fireworks at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in the capital's Forbidden City.
15:42
Watch celebrations in Tokyo
15:35
Auld Lang Syne
So if you're heading to Edinburgh tonight, make sure you're clued up on the Auld Lang Syne lyrics so you can impress Major Tim.
Check out some fun facts about the song's history here.
15:31
Major Tim Peake to join Hogmanay
British astronaut Tim Peake will send a New Year’s message to Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers direct from the International Space Station.
Major Peake will light up screens in the Scottish capital in the minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
As many as 75,000 revellers from more than 80 countries are expected to attend the street party, enjoying entertainment across four stages and seven screens along the length of Princes Street.
15:15
South Korea welcomes in 2016
These are the scenes from South Korea, where they are also celebrating the start of 2016. The country marks New Year's Eve with traditional bell ringing ceremonies, fireworks and outdoor music and dance performances. Thousands of people, including North Korean refugees, are expected to gather at a town near the border with rival North Korea to watch one of the ceremonies and wish for peaceful Korean unification.
North Korea is expected to mark the new year with a speech by leader Kim Jong Un, which outside observers use to pore over for insight on the reclusive country's policy direction.
South Koreans take pictures of fireworks during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park, Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
South Koreans gather in front of a traditional pavilion during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
Couples take selfie in front of a traditional pavilion during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
Participants prepare to strike a huge traditional bell during a countdown event to celebrate the New Year at Imjingak peace park, Paju, South Korea Photo: Getty Images
15:01
Japan
Happy new year, Japan. Temples across the country will be chiming for Japan's biggest holiday of the year. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true
A visitor writes her wish on a wooden plaque at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true Photo: EPA
A visitor hangs a wooden plaque with her wishes written on it at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. More than three million people visit the Meiji Shrine during the first three days of the New Year, to pray for their health, economic fortune and wishes to come true Photo: EPA
Shinto priests walk toward the inner shrine at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan to attend the shinto ritual preparing for the New Year Photo: EPA
Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets.
Men disguised as "Namahage" by wearing a demon-like mask and a costume made of straw yell to boost their spirits in Oga, northeastern Japan. Namahage, considered divine messengers bringing blessings to people, visit houses in the area every New Year's Eve, yelling and telling children they have to behave themselves in a tradition designated as one of Japan's important intangible cultural assets. Photo: Photoshot
14:51
How does Japan celebrate NYE?
New Year's Eve is Japan's biggest holiday, and millions crammed into trains to flee the cities for their hometowns to slurp down bowls of noodles, symbolising longevity, while watching the annual Red and White NHK song competition. As midnight approaches, families bundle up for visits to neighborhood temples, where the ritual ringing of huge bronze bells reverberates through the chill.
Shinto priests leave the shrine's main sanctuary at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to attend the shinto ritual preparing for the New Year Photo: EPA
Tokyo is on special alert for security issues this year, with posters in subways and other public spaces warning people to keep their eyes open for suspicious packages or activities.
Partygoers are releasing balloons to celebrate the New Year by the Tokyo Tower
14:36
World leaders share messages
In the last few minutes global leaders have shared messages for the new year.
This just in from Her Majesty... though the link seems to have mysteriously disappeared
And from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
A feminist message from Hilary Clinton
14:24
NYE countdown in Shanghai cancelled
In China, authorities have also cancelled the annual countdown at the Bund in Shanghai. Rather than a terror attack, it is a precaution against a repeat of last year's deadly stampede. Paramilitary police have been seen patrolling along the Bund.
Chinese paramilitary police patrol along the Bund in Shanghai, China. Authorities cancelled the annual countdown at the Bund as a precaution against a repeat of last year's deadly stampede. Photo: Chinatopix Via AP
14:15
Brussels dismantling '2016'
Sad scenes from Brussels now, where the festivities have been cancelled because of security fears over fears of Paris-style terrorist attacks.
Mayor Yvan Mayeur said it would be impossible to screen the thousands of revelers who would otherwise be gathering in Brussels to ring in the new year.
A worker dismantles equipment that would have been used to celebrate New Year in central Brussels Photo: REUTERS/Francois Lenoir
13:40
Italian cities ban fireworks
Smog is putting a bit of a damper on New Year's Eve celebrations across Italy, with Rome, Milan and other cities banning fireworks because of high levels of air pollution in the country.
Dozens of towns and cities have canceled firework displays and banned setting off firecrackers and other personal pyrotechnics, saying poor air quality and the protection of animals, which can become agitated at the noise, is behind the decision.
Rome and Milan are among the cities that have put restrictions on driving in recent days as levels of pollutions have exceeded legal limits, posing a public health risks. Government officials have drafted new measures to combat the rising pollution levels, exacerbated by a lack of rain and wind, including lowering thermostats and speed limits.
13:30
India
Some fun new year pictures coming out of India - one way to celebrate the arrival of another year on planet earth, is with vegetable art, apparently. This piece is by Indian artist Harwinder Singh Gill, who is displaying his new vegetable artwork made with vegetables in Amritsar.
Indian artist Harwinder Singh Gill displays his new vegetable artwork made with vegetables on New Year's Eve in Amritsar, India Photo: EPA/RAMINDER PAL SINGH
Narendra Modi has announced today that he is using the new year to tackle corruption further. The prime minister said that from tomorrow, interviews for Government jobs in Class-III and Class-IV categories will be abolished.
13:20
Mariah Carey in Australia
Mariah Carey performs at the Crown Casino's New Year's Eve Party at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne
Mariah Carey performs at the Crown Casino's New Year's Eve Party at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
13:00
Sydney
And it's 2016 in Australia! Is this Sydney's best firework display yet? We'll let you know our verdict when they're over in 12 minutes.
Photo: Brendon Thorne/City of Sydney/Getty Images
A red dawn for 2016..
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as Australia's largest city ushers in the New Year Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the 9pm fireworks display in Sydney, Australian Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Watch the display here:
12:45
Sydney awaits 2016
Sydney has become famous for its annual New Year’s eve fireworks display but the hefty cost has attracted controversy in recent years, our reporter in Sydney Jonathan Pearlman writes.
The city has already had its eight-minute 9pm display and will host a second round at midnight which will last about 12 minutes.
An analysis by The Australian Financial Review found that the displays will cost about £22,000 a minute, up 40 per cent from the cost five years ago.
The City of Sydney insisted it was “money well spent”, with more than a million people gathering around the harbour tonight to watch the displays.
12:15
Illegal fireworks nicknamed "Isis" confiscated
Nick Squires in Rome has this story on illegal fireworks making the rounds in Italy:
Police in Italy have confiscated large quantities of illegal fireworks, including powerful devices nicknamed “Isis” after the terrorist network and “the Paris Bomb” after last month’s attacks on the French capital.
Each year in the run-up to New Year’s Eve, the authorities launch crackdowns on the many illegal fireworks that go on sale, the biggest of which often carry macabre names inspired by current events of the preceding 12 months.
In the past there have been mortar-style fireworks nicknamed the “Osama bin Laden” and, during the global debt crisis, “The Spread”.
Dozens of Italians are hurt each New Year’s Eve by exploding rockets and other devices.
On Thursday, police in the town of Caserta, a stronghold of the Camorra mafia near Naples, confiscated 6.5 tonnes of illegally-manufactured fireworks with an estimated value of 400,000 euros.
The largest was named “la Bomba di Parigi” – the Paris Bomb.
They also seized 300kg of home-made gun powder, which was to have been used to produce more fireworks.
In the past few days, police conducted raids across the country, finding fireworks with names such as “Isis” and “Star Wars”.
The fireworks are so dangerous that this year nearly 1,000 towns and cities have banned their use and introduced fines of up to 500 euros for anyone ignoring the regulations.
Last New Year’s Eve, more than 250 people were injured by fireworks, while the year before the total reached 361.
On Wednesday a 22-year-old man of South American origin blew both his hands off while trying to produce a powerful, home-made firework at his home in Varese, north of Milan.
11:50
Terror alert in Turkey
Turkish anti-terror police have arrested eight suspected PKK terrorists in the capital Ankara, who are thought to have been planning a New Year's Eve attack.
A state-run news agency reported the news but did not give details on the nature of the alleged planned attack.
Two under-18s are thought to be among those arrested. Three have appeared in court and one has been released. Four others are still being held by police.
The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, America and the EU.
11:50
Pope's 2016 message
At the Vatican, Pope Francis has tweeted ahead of celebrations.
11:40
The 13 stages of New Year's Eve
It seems hard for me to believe now, being a New Year's scrooge, but there was a time when the night held some fun - the blissfully ignorant childhood years.
Michael Hogan walks us through the 13 phases of celebrating the evening, from the teenage fumble to wondering if this will be our last NYE. Read his comical summary of celebrating the night at every age here.
11:30
Angela Merkel's New Year message
Meanwhile in Germany, Angela Merkel will use her annual televised New Year's address this evening to make an appeal for unity, as Germany deals with the massive influx of more than 1m refugees to the country in 2015.
Our reporter in Berlin, Justin Huggler, reports:
"Properly tackled, today's great task of dealing with the arrival and integration of so many people is also an opportunity for tomorrow," the German chancellor is to say, according to a text released in advance.
"It is clear that the inlfux of so many people will demand a lot more from us. That is time, energy and money. But a country has always benefited from successful immigration. It is vital that we are not divided by generations or by class, or between long-term residents and new citizens."
Mrs Merkel is to speak out against anti-refugee protests that have gripped Germany in recent months without naming the Pegida anti-immigrant movement or far-Right groups believed to be behind a series of arson attacks on refugee shelters.
"It is vital that no one claims Germanness only for themselves with coldness or even hatred in their hearts," she will say.
The speech, which will be aired on various German television channels at different times this evening, will be broadcast with English and Arabic subtitles for the first time.
The Chancellor is to say that she wants to "above all" thank Germans for their willingness to help asylum-seekers.
"I want to thank the countless volunteers for the warmth and commitment that will be forever associated with 2015," she will say.
The speech touches on many of the same themes as an address to her party conference a few weeks ago that has been seen in Germany as the moment Mrs Merkel reasserted her authority after weeks of falling polls.
11:15
Sky Tower display
New Zealand has opened the new year with its traditional Sky Tower firework display in Auckland - watch here:
11:00
New Year in New Zealand
Happy New Year, New Zealand! The kiwis have opened the new year with their traditional Sky Tower firework display.
Australia seems to be trying to steal New Zealand's thunder with a pre-New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney.
They've given the Kiwis a run for their money with some stunning effects.
Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Fireworks explode over boats anchored on Sydney Harbour during a 9pm display before midnight fireworks usher in the new year in Australia's largest city Photo: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images
The usual firework display in Sydney will follow in a couple of hours, when it turns midnight in Australia.
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the 9pm fireworks display in Sydney, Australian Photo: AP Photo/Rob Griffith
Around 1.5 million people watch the annual Sydney Harbour New Year's Eve show from along the harbour foreshore.
Last year around 10,000 aerial fireworks, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 pyrotechnic effects were planned.
Partygoers wait for the New Year's fireworks in Sydney, Australia Photo: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images
10:48
Torchlit procession kicks off Hogmanay celebrations:
10:25
Happy New Year? Twitter users left confused over first day of 2016
There were premature New Year celebrations on Twitter as a few companies began celebrating the start of 2016 a little too early.
See who else experienced the perilous side of social media here.
10:10
NYE festivities cancelled around the world
NYE festivities have been cancelled around the world over fears of terror threats.
Brussels has called off New Year’s Eve fireworks over fears of Paris-style terror attack, while Parisians have been opting to celebrate outside the French capital.
French president Francois Hollande is due to make a New Year’s speech tonight, focusing on terrorism amid the subdued mood in Paris, David Chazan reports. A lot of Parisians won’t be in the city or won’t be going out, the traditional festivities on the Champs-Elysees will be minimal - with no fireworks and several metro stations set to close early. No traffic will be allowed from 10pm on the Champs-Elysees and hotels and restaurants are reporting a slump in bookings.
People walk across Red Square, with the Kremlin's Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower (R) and St. Basil's Cathedral (L) seen in the background, in central Moscow Photo: AFP
Meanwhile Moscow's iconic Red Square, a traditional spot for seeing in the New Year, will be closed.
However, in Bangkok, police-flanked partygoers will ring in the new year at the site of a deadly bombing that took place just months ago.
09:50
Welcome
Happy New Year! Rozina Sabur here. Welcome to the Telegraph's coverage of the festivities around the world.
First up is Samoa and Christmas Island, where 2016 begins shortly.
We will be bringing you live coverage of New Year's Eve 2015 as it is celebrated around the world. Tune in for pictures, videos and news of how the night is being enjoyed in countries far and near.
As the final hours of 2015 draw to a close in some parts of the world, many are bidding a weary and wary adieu to a year marred by attacks that left nations reeling and nerves rattled. Still, most places are forging ahead with their celebrations as many refuse to let jitters ruin the joy of the holiday.
