New Year latest: 300 arrests in Berlin as thousands welcome 2024
Berlin police claim that people threw fireworks at officers and attempted to make molotov cocktails
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Berlin police detained over 300 people on New Year’s Eve after at least 14 on-duty officers were injured as people shot fireworks at each other and police throughout the city.
One of the incidents occurred near Alexanderplatz where around 500 people were letting off fireworks at each other before police dispersed the group at the landmark Neptune Fountain, reported DW.
The crowd fired at police with pyrotechnics when they tried to check them for fireworks, according to the outlet.
In Neukölln, a number of arrests were made after people attempted to make Molotov cocktails, which police say they confiscated.
It came amid jubilant scenes in the US as tens of thousands of beaming people in New York’s Times Square, were showered with confetti and hugs and kisses after watching the descent of the colourful ball marking the birth of 2024.
The UK earlier welcomed 2024 with a bang as tens of thousands packed the streets of London and Edinburgh to watch the cities’ world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.
Tickets for the event in London sold out and official viewing areas were full. Organisers finished checks on the pyrotechnics with more than 10,000 fireworks shooting up into the night’s sky after the Big Ben countdown.
The march of midnight from time zone to time zone brought the new year first to places like Australia, where more than 1 million people watched a pyrotechnic display centred around Sydney’s famous Opera House and harbour bridge — a number of spectators equivalent to one in five of the city’s residents.
‘Incredible’ fireworks display and Pulp concert light up Hogmanay celebrations
Revellers at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations brought in the new year with an evening of fireworks and music from Pulp.
Thousands gathered at the sold-out Princes Garden Street Party and Concert in the Gardens for the festival’s 30th anniversary.
The event, organised by UniqueAssembly and City of Edinburgh Council, was be headlined by Pulp, who have not played in the city in 20 years.
Following the first part of set, the fireworks began at midnight and crowds cheered, roared and sang.
Mark Wright, 50, said: “This is the first time I’ve been here. The fireworks were brilliant.
More here:
‘Incredible’ fireworks display and Pulp concert light up Hogmanay celebrations
Edinburgh was lit up with fireworks as crowds from near and far danced and sang along to some of the Sheffield band’s greatest hits.
Sadiq Khan has posted a video clip of London’s fireworks display, spelling out the messages that ran through the spectacle.
He said: “From London to the world: a message of unity, love & hope. Our city is a place for everyone. You are free to be who you want and love who you want. Our NHS are the best of us. A greener, fairer, future is within our grasp.”
Happy New Year! Spectacular fireworks display in London takes country into 2024
Tens of thousands of revellers braved the cold and blustery weather to see London’s breathtaking New Year’s Eve firework show as the UK welcomed in 2024 with a bang.
There wasn’t a spare place to stand along the River Thames near the London Eye as people from all around the world gathered to watch the 12-minute long spectacular which also featured a drone light show and music.
Those in attendance, some waiting since 7.30am, cheered as the countdown started before the bongs of Big Ben sounded at midnight and the 12,000 fireworks lit up the dark and damp night sky.
Read the full story here
Happy New Year! Spectacular fireworks display in London takes country into 2024
London and Edinburgh celebrated the new year with stunning firework spectaculars
A Place for Everyone: Thousands ring in 2024 with London fireworks display
Thousands of revellers started 2024 with a bang as fireworks and drones lit up the sky over London and told the world the city is “A Place for Everyone”.
After the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight, “London: A Place for Everyone” was written high above the crowds as the unity-themed display welcomed the new year.
The display marked the King’s coronation year and also used Charles’ quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing in which he said the new arrivals “collectively enrich the fabric of our national life”.
There were repeated references to London’s diversity and inclusivity, with the capital telling the world everyone is welcome in a city where people can be themselves.
The show, designed by the Cambridgeshire-based pyrotechnics firm Titanium Fireworks, boasted more than 12,000 fireworks.
Spectators share incredible videos of London fireworks display
Those watching London’s famous New Year fireworks display have shared incredible videos of the spectacle
Enjoy them below:
The display is over... but the celebrations continue
And what a display it was!
Highlights so far
Aside from the incredible firework display still going on we’ve heard a short review of the year with the coronation of King Charles III and the anniversary of the NHS read out.
Then there was a light display of a child blowing dandelions seeds across the sky.
Oh, and we’ve also had the Spice Girls
Stunning scene from London right now
Countdown
Big Ben is now sounding.... and the countdown....5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Happy New Year
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments