World Welcomes 2016 With Lavish New Year Fireworks (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

New Year’s Eve celebrations have kicked off with lavish fireworks displays as people around the world usher in 2016. However, some cities remain on high alert in the wake of terror threats.  

Cities around the world have started welcoming in 2016 with fireworks displays and huge parties, in countries such as Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand. In Sydney, top right, a spectacular display was centred around the world famous Harbour Bridge, which was lit up with colour, as revellers brought in the new year. In Hong Kong, bottom right, a flash of colour was sent across Victoria Harbour as the clock struck midnight and 2016 was ushered in. While in Taiwan, the country's largest skyscraper, Tapei 101, saw fireworks cascade down the side to welcome in the New Year. (Image source: mailonline.com)

RT report continues:
The Pacific islands of Samoa and Kiribati were the first to start celebrations on Thursday with light displays adorning the night skies.

New Zealand and Australia then set the tone with spectacular celebrations. 

© Jason Reed / Reuters

New Zealand’s Auckland met 2016 with a fanfare of record-breaking fireworks - 500kg of pyrotechnics consisting of 2,500 separate pieces launched from the top of the Sky Tower.

Sydney and Brisbane were lit by bursts of color as people gathered at vantage points to enjoy the light shows.

In Tokyo residents and guests released helium balloons near Tokyo Tower as the clock struck midnight.

South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Singapore all welcomed the coming New Year with a dazzling series of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Indonesia’s Jakarta remains on high alert during the holiday after police foiled plans for an alleged New Year terror attack.

Celebrations in some European cities are also planned to take a more somber note as security has been ramped up in the wake of the Paris terror attacks on November 13 and warnings of assaults during the festivities.

Light displays have also been scrapped in Paris for safety reasons. On Wednesday, Brussels authorities took the difficult decision to cancel the festivities and fireworks planned for New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, UK authorities are to deploy 2,000 armed police to shield London’s New Year festivities from terror attack.

Though there was no specific alert for Italy, police presence has been increased by 30 per cent compared to last year.