With a spectacular firework display, London has rung in the new year and bid farewell to 2021, a year which will stick in the memory for a while.
The capital has welcomed in 2022 in brilliant fashion, lighting up the city with its first firework display in three years.
For the first time ever, drones and pyrotechnics were involved in the display, projecting brilliant lights and images over the city.
Covid once again dominated the past 12 months, but the story was a far more optimistic one, dominated instead by vaccines and boosters, instead of the soaring death rates which cast a long shadow from last winter.
The previous year was sent off with a whimper, as mass public gatherings were banned 12 months ago, and again a year prior for New Years eve 2020.
However, this year, thanks to the vaccination campaign, crowds turned out to celebrate welcoming the New Year.
(
Image:
PA)
Crowds were not as big as pre-Covid years, due to worries about Omicron which has caused record levels of Covid cases in previous days.
But those who turned up were welcomed by laser displays as well.
Thousands will have watched the incredible display from home, optimistic that this year may be when we see the worst of the pandemic over.
After the display was cancelled the last two years prior, it was only announced today that it would go ahead.
This was done to prevent overcrowding in the nation’s capital, but plenty still flocked to enjoy the display.
For the first time ever, pyrotechnics and a live performance were involved in the display.
Other displays took place across London and the country, and thanks to the reopening of night clubs this year, Brits could drunkenly dance their way into the new year too.
However, the country, and world, has not returned to normal quite completely, as Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
The usual accompanying outdoor street parties, concerts and fireworks did not go ahead either.
The Loony Dock, a morning dip into the river on New Year’s Day, was also cancelled.
In Wales, new year events went ahead but proof of vaccination or negative test was required to enjoy the festivities.
Read More
Read More