1 Jan 2015

How the world welcomed 2015

6:20 pm on 1 January 2015

Countries worldwide continue to welcome in 2015. See how they celebrated, from Gaza to Hong Kong, China to New York.

Fireworks explode above the Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', during celebrations in central London just after midnight on 1 January 2015.

Fireworks explode above the Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', during celebrations in central London just after midnight on 1 January 2015. Photo: AFP

New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York on 31 December 2014

New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York on 31 December 2014 Photo: AFP

Fireworks light up over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill in Athens.

Fireworks light up over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill in Athens. Photo: AFP

An illuminated portrait photo display is held during a light show in Shanghai.

An illuminated portrait photo display is held during a light show in Shanghai. Photo: AFP

People watch fireworks displayed for the New Year celebrations over Ishim River in Kazakhstan capital city Astana.

People watch fireworks displayed for the New Year celebrations over Ishim River in Kazakhstan capital city Astana. Photo: AFP

People release balloons beside the Tokyo Tower to celebrate the New Year.

People release balloons beside the Tokyo Tower to celebrate the New Year. Photo: AFP

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Fireworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Fireworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo: AFP

South Koreans gather during the welcoming ceremony of the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju.

South Koreans gather during the welcoming ceremony of the New Year at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju. Photo: AFP

Fireworks burst over the Marina bay to mark the New Year's celebration in Singapore.

Fireworks burst over the Marina bay to mark the New Year's celebration in Singapore. Photo: AFP

People release a sky lantern to celebrate the New Year in Harbin, China.

People release a sky lantern to celebrate the New Year in Harbin, China. Photo: AFP

A Sri Lankan boy celebrates new year with a sparkler in Colombo.

A Sri Lankan boy celebrates new year with a sparkler in Colombo. Photo: AFP

A Palestinian boy stands on the beach during the last sunset of 2014 off the coast of Gaza City.

A Palestinian boy stands on the beach during the last sunset of 2014 off the coast of Gaza City. Photo: AFP