From east to west the world greets 2008

Midnight in London and the unmistakeable sound of Big Ben launched the New Year’s party in the British capital. Vast crowds converged on the city centre to pop the champagne corks. A few adventurous souls jumped in the fountains.

An hour earlier the festivities had kicked off in Berlin. Hundreds of thousands thronged around the Brandenburg Gate enjoying the kind of fun that was taking place around Western Europe.

Across much of the continent temperatures fell below zero but that did not deter revellers. Red Square was the venue for Moscow’s biggest bash. Many turned out to hear Vladimir Putin’s last New Year’s address as Russian President. Putin, who stands down after elections in March said Russia had had a renaissance during his reign.

2008 was first welcomed in by small Pacific Island nations. But Australia was soon in on the act, marking the moment in its own spectacular way and from there the party spread westwards with the new day. Wherever you are EuroNews wishes you all the best for 2008.

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