OFF WITH A BANG...

World's sparkling start to new year | 55,000 at Edinburgh party events.

- SASKIA ROWLANDS & RYAN CARROLL

CHEERS, joy and laughter rang out as dazzling firework displays filled the air all over the world to welcome in 2026.

In Sydney, Australia, a minute's silence for the Bondi Beach victims came before 40,000 fireworks lit up the night skies over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Temperatures were far cooler here but even imminent yellow weather warnings of snow and ice could not dampen spirits as Scotland greeted the new year.

There were 45,000 revellers bringing in the New Year at Edinburgh's famous Street Party, entertained by a DJ and giant ceilidh. Another 10,000 gathered in Princes Street Gardens for a concert headlined by the band Wet Leg.