Storming celebrations as New Year blasts off

STORMY weather failed to dampen spirits last night as partygoers endured a wet and windy end to 2024.

- Giles Sheldrick

Gusts and heavy showers forced many New Year's Eve events to be cancelled and sparked widespread travel chaos - but there were still plenty of hardy souls determined to welcome 2025 in style.

Those brave enough to venture outside enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show in the skies above London.

The capital's display over the Thames, billed as the biggest in Europe, went ahead despite the weather.

But Edinburgh's traditional Hogmanay festival in the famous Princes Street Gardens had been cancelled 24 hours earlier due to warnings of gale force winds and heavy rain, leaving visitors to find their own entertainment.

And, just hours before the curtain came down on 2024, major events in Newcastle, Poole, Blackpool, Brighton and the Isle of Wight were among those axed on safety grounds as storms wrecked scores of party plans.