Global Welcome to 2015

Big Ben chimed in 2015 in central London as cities around the world welcomed in the New Year, each competing to put on the most spectacular or memorable display. In the UK, it may have been an hour later than most of the rest of Europe, but the now traditional fireworks centred on the London Eye did not disappoint. Paris added its own touch, lighting up the Champs Elyseés and the Arc de Triomphe, reflecting the Parisian “art of living” and the environment, in a nod to the international climate change summit to be hosted by France in December 2015. Amsterdam joined in as one of the world’s cities to send a virtual postcard on New Years’ Eve, using its iconic canals to best effect. Tokyo’s celebrations were perhaps more traditional with the ringing of Buddhist temple bells. They are rung exactly 108 times, starting at midnight. This longstanding tradition is vital to the overall celebration and the chimes are meant to ward off the 108 earthly desires. And in Sydney the theme was inspiration. While a floral tribute was paid to the Martin Place siege victims, the main event was the lighting of more than seven tonnes of fireworks in an around Sydney Harbour and the city’s iconic Opera House.