Follow all the celebrations as the clock strikes midnight and countries see out 2016 to welcome in 2017
12.20am GMT
A child’s drawing calling for peace in 2017 is projected on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
12.16am GMT
The Puerta del Sol clock welcomes the new year for the thousands gathered in central Madrid.
12.14am GMT
Big Ben chimes as fireworks explode around the London Eye to signal the start of the new year.
11.51pm GMT
Warsaw celebrates the start of 2017.
11.48pm GMT
Fireworks explode near to the High Cathedral of Saint Peter during New year celebrations in Cologne, Germany.
11.42pm GMT
Edinburgh begins the countdown to new year with a display by the castle.
11.38pm GMT
Fireworks rain on the Arc de Triomphe as Paris celebrates the start of the new year.
11.29pm GMT
Cairo marks the beginning of 2017 with a fireworks display behind the pyramids.
11.28pm GMT
New York
Tens of thousands of merrymakers have converged on Times Square to watch the giant New Year’s Eve ball makes its midnight descent. The century-old New York tradition is unfolding this year under an unprecedented blanket of security. As many as 2 million people, surrounded by a ring of 40-ton sand trucks and approximately 7,000 police, are expected to gather in the “Crossroads of the World” to watch the glittering sphere complete its midnight drop.
11.16pm GMT
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, lit up by fireworks to mark the incoming of 2017.
11.10pm GMT
Fireworks blaze above the Acropolis hill and Parthenon temple in Athens during the new year celebrations.
10.55pm GMT
People wait for the stroke of midnight in the Grand Place, Brussels.
10.51pm GMT
Revellers in Pakistan set off firecrackers to celebrate the arrival of the new year in Lahore.
10.46pm GMT
A backdrop of green envelops Moscow’s Red Square as the capital ushers in the new year.
10.41pm GMT
In his year-end message, Pope Francis has urged leaders to do more to tackle youth unemployment, saying a generation was being lost to desperation, migration and joblessness.
At his last public event of 2016, an evening vespers service in St Peter’s Basilica, the 80-year-old pontiff said doors had to be opened for young people “so that they can be capable of dreaming and fighting for their dreams”.
10.20pm GMT
The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is lit up to mark New Year’s Day in Dubai.
10.05pm GMT
In her new year message, the British prime minister has moved to reassure those who voted for Britain to stay in the European Union that she will fight for their interests “around the negotiating table in Europe this year”.
Read the full story here:
Related: Theresa May’s new year message: I’ll fight remainers’ case in Europe, too
9.52pm GMT
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has called for unity in his first new year address since taking over from his late father, who was widely seen as a unifying force during decades of turbulence. The pre-recorded address was only the second time he has spoken to the public since taking the throne on 1 December.
9.32pm GMT
Hogmanay celebrations have got under way in Scotland’s capital as thousands of people arrived to bring in the new year. Up to 80,000 people are expected to gather on the streets of Edinburgh for the sold-out world-famous event which Paolo Nutini will headline.
9.30pm GMT
Pope Francis finds a moment to reflect in front of a nativity scene in St Peter’s Square, Rome.
8.59pm GMT
One of the most impressive displays of the night comes from Hong Kong, where the city’s skyline was illuminated in blue and pink.
8.40pm GMT
Singapore welcomes in 2017 with a fireworks display at Marina Bay.
8.18pm GMT
Revellers in Australia have been enjoying the first hours of New Year’s Day, with some still partying on Sydney’s Bondi beach.
7.55pm GMT
More spectacular scenes from Indonesia, this time in Yogyakarta.
7.44pm GMT
Sadiq Khan has called for resilience ahead of London’s New year fireworks show, saying the capital is “as safe as it possibly can be”. Khan said the mood on the streets was upbeat, adding that it was “really important we don’t allow terrorists to disrupt our celebrations on this New Year’s Eve”.
7.27pm GMT
This is Alexandra Rogers taking over the new year live blog from Marc Walker to keep you updated on celebrations across the world as they happen.
7.21pm GMT
Crowds gathered to watch fireworks light up the night sky behind Myanmar’s landmark Shwedagon pagoda during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
6.58pm GMT
In Berlin, revellers are preparing to welcome in 2017 at a show at the Brandenburg Gate.
6.31pm GMT
Indonesia welcomes in the new year with a fireworks display at the Selamat Datang monument in Jakarta.
6.03pm GMT
An elderly lady waits for customers to snap up her New Year’s Eve party hats and masks in Yangon, Myanmar. A process of reform has been under way in the country, also known as Burma, since November 2010, when military rule was replaced by a new army-backed civilian government
5.53pm GMT
Celebrations are in full swing in Taipei, Taiwan, where the tourist board estimates more than 1m people have travelled to the city to marvel at the spectacle of thousands of fireworks exploding from the famous 101 skyscraper
5.42pm GMT
On New Year’s Eve last year, about 100 women in Cologne’s central square and other German cities were sexually assaulted. A year on and Cologne police have deployed 1,500 officers - 10 times the number of officers compared to last year. Extra security guards are also on duty to ensure the area is safe for New Year’s Eve party-goers
5.25pm GMT
The Press Association is reporting that paramedics are dealing with a high level of emergency calls on New Year’s Eve:
Paramedics were struggling to reach patients in parts of the south-east on New Year’s Eve amid a high level of 999 calls.
South East Coast ambulance service NHS foundation trust (Secamb) said 999 callers in Kent in particular were being hit by delays in crews reaching them due to the high demand.
5.02pm GMT
Fears that selfie sticks would become passé in 2017 appear totally unfounded as new year partygoers in Hong Kong capture the turn of the year.
4.49pm GMT
Swedes see in 1 January with a nyårstårta, or new year’s cake. Here’s a trifle cake inspired by Pokémon Go. One of many being baked up and down the country this evening. Looks good ...
Årets nyårstårta är klar. Tryffeltårta á la PokemonGo. #pokemongo #HAPPYNEWYEAR pic.twitter.com/hW9lYGDH6y
4.45pm GMT
Having completed the important diplomatic work of saluting his “many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don’t know what to do”, President-elect Donald Trump will see in the New Year with 800 guests at an “elegant and sophisticated” party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
4.37pm GMT
Koreans celebrate their day of birth but also mark growing a year older from 1 January.
4.22pm GMT
Feliz Año Nuevo (Happy New Year!) from Hong Kong:
¡Feliz Año Nuevo desde Hong Kong! pic.twitter.com/Vc5PIepAdf
4.07pm GMT
I am handing over to my colleague Marc Walker, who will be continuing this live blog. I would like to thank all those who have sent in their photographs and tweets, and for everyone who has commented under this article.
I’ll sign off with one of my favourite pictures of the celebrations so far. Happy New Year, everyone.
4.03pm GMT
Beckie in Japan has just tweeted me with these lovely shots.
@guardian @Nicola_Slawson In Takarazuka, near Osaka in Japan. Just been to the local shrine to wish in the new year! pic.twitter.com/GUVLzNCdvM
3.56pm GMT
Photo editor fail of the day goes to the Daily Express who have confused the real city of Paris for the Paris Las Vegas hotel in their article about security measures in France for tonight’s celebrations. Oops.
Paris vs Paris Las Vegas Hotel @dailyexpressuk #fail https://t.co/mmFTNT9ByX pic.twitter.com/qD2SM9ZjSM
3.52pm GMT
It will be midnight in Hong Kong shortly.
Strictly Come Dancing pro, Neil Jones, is there and will be enjoying the fireworks from a rooftop.
I can't wait to spend New Year's Eve with friends watching fireworks from a rooftop in Hong Kong
@Nicola_Slawson celebrating in Hong Kong for the first time, should be an epic firework display across the harbour! pic.twitter.com/xZPdtBrhbJ
@Nicola_Slawson Here in Beijing, I'm deciding what to do with my lucky punnet of Brussels Sprouts - eat now, or save for next year? Thinks.. pic.twitter.com/g6kff4CtXb
3.35pm GMT
What’s the best way to celebrate NYE?
With pie and Prosecco. D’oh!
How do you prep for NYE back in London after spending Xmas in Cumbria? Pies + Prosecco of course pic.twitter.com/ZrsSRVDrhm
3.22pm GMT
It sounds like the Queen may have to spend at least one more day in bed as she is still recovering from her heavy cold.
The monarch has not been seen in public for 11 days since she and Prince Philip sustained heavy colds, forcing them to cancel the traditional train journey to their north Norfolk estate for Christmas.
Related: Queen may miss New Year's Day church service
3.18pm GMT
Lots of people in Asia are now tweeting pictures from their New Year’s Eve celebrations. Bali looks a bit good!
The view from my rooftop in Bali last New Year's Eve. Just. Incredible. #newyearseve #newyear #celebrations #bali pic.twitter.com/Ejfv8INAGm
Closing out the year in Seoul! #NewYearsEve #Welcome2017 #namsantower pic.twitter.com/adqMOwuMHu
Happy new year japan
Philippines 23:10⏰ pic.twitter.com/dtuGanVkOr
3.13pm GMT
A bit of fun for the dying hours of 2016: Trevor Noah of The Daily Show bid farewell to the year many will care to forget.
Trevor and The Best F#@king News Team say goodbye to 2016. pic.twitter.com/UnLr7myvHF
3.05pm GMT
It’s already 2017 in parts of Russia.
3.03pm GMT
In South Korea, protesters have set off their own fireworks during a candle-lit vigil calling for the impeached president, Park Geun-hye, to step down, near the presidential house in Seoul.
2.58pm GMT
A Sri Lankan woman lights oil lamps as other devotees carry various offerings at a Buddhist temple on New Year’s Eve in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
2.50pm GMT
Lots of people in Switzerland wave goodbye to the old year by swimming in a very chilly lake. Whatever floats your boat!
2.40pm GMT
In Japan, New Year’s Eve is traditionally a day spent with family and although there will be fireworks over Tokyo’s Disneyland castle, the bars will remain fairly quiet.
Elliot Morris decided to do something a bit different while holidaying in the capital city and went to watch a New Year’s Eve boxing match at Ota City Gym. He said: “It was fantastic and very fun. We are now just in a quiet bar.”
2.22pm GMT
My colleague Emma Beddington has written a guide to surviving New Year’s Eve with children. Does this ring any bells?
Traditionally a grave disappointment, New Year’s Eve is at least a time to cut loose and escape the suffocating, sprout-scented stranglehold of the family Christmas. But with kids, you can forget about that. You’re far too late (and broke) for babysitters. Everyone is bored, bloated, probably sick, definitely fighting and stuck with one another. How can you reach midnight without tears?
Related: 7 ways to survive New Year’s Eve with children
2.18pm GMT
Worshippers of Yemanjá ask for blessings from their deity at Copacabana – before one of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve beach parties kicks off.
Related: New Year’s Eve on Copacabana beach: flowers before Rio's fireworks
2.13pm GMT
Brisbane just welcomed in 2017. It looks nice and tropical there, a bit different to the cold and foggy weather on this side of the world.
And with that, we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to a wonderful #2017! Happy New Year! #brisbaneanyday pic.twitter.com/bxo0qDfGm4
2.07pm GMT
When 2017 reaches the UK capital, thousands of police officers will provide a protective ring around the city’s set-piece fireworks display, with security tactics having been adjusted after this year’s terrorist atrocities in Europe.
Armed police will also be a fixture on the capital’s tube trains as they travel between jobs – a move aimed at reassuring passengers.
2.05pm GMT
Incidentally, it’s not the first time Donald Trump has thought to mention his enemies while sending good wishes on special holidays or events.
Here’s a thanksgiving tweet from 2012:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone--I love you all, even my many enemies (sometimes!).
“@realDonaldTrump: I would like to extend my best wishes to all, even the haters and losers, on this special date, September 11th.”
I would like to wish all fathers, even the haters and losers, a very happy Fathers Day.
I would like to wish everyone, including all haters and losers (of which, sadly, there are many) a truly happy and enjoyable Memorial Day!
1.49pm GMT
The New Year enthusiasm is at risk of being dampened here in the UK. The fog in the south has caused delays at Gatwick and Manchester, while in northern England and Wales, rain is set to sweep across areas including Manchester, Leeds and possibly Cardiff at midnight, the Met Office said.
Related: UK fog delays flights from Gatwick and Heathrow airports
1.37pm GMT
Spectacular fireworks have illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate the arrival of 2017 in Australia, as Britons count the hours until the new year also lands in the UK.
The Pacific island nations of Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati were the first to welcome the new year as the clock hit 10am on New Year’s Eve in London.
1.23pm GMT
Here’s US President-elect Donald Trump being all nice and positive as he wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Oh, wait …
Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don't know what to do. Love!
1.14pm GMT
Sydney welcomes 2017 in with lots of loud and colourful fireworks, as per usual.
Happy new year! #Sydney #Australia ♥ pic.twitter.com/dv4xtfXmSn
Happy New Year from #Sydney, #Australia! pic.twitter.com/pDrrjVuEVG
Happy new year 2017 in Sydney pic.twitter.com/oAIdgnmUml
Happy New Year from Sydney pic.twitter.com/R2kl5fPgPT
@thescript @TheScript_Danny Happy New Year boys from Sydney Australia pic.twitter.com/chp1LbRlrp
1.13pm GMT
Fireworks Sydney style...
Welcome to 2017! #SydNYE pic.twitter.com/Q8RvTQkfXr
1.00pm GMT
Happy New Year Sydney!
The fireworks have started and are set to feature tributes to Prince and David Bowie. Send us your snaps!
Happy New Year from Sydney pic.twitter.com/4EaKSdPKy4
12.55pm GMT
How are you spending the last day of 2016?
Libby Maguire spent it exploring the Australian coast. “I did the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk to celebrate the last day of the year ... I’m now at a house party at the beach with an Aussie band playing some hits.”
12.47pm GMT
In Spain it is traditional for people to eat one grape at every stroke of the midnight clock chimes on New Year’s Eve to bring luck in the following year. Some extra keen people held a warm-up session at midday in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
12.45pm GMT
Curious as to how Sydney organises its always impressive fireworks displays? Wonder no more:
It takes 7 tonnes of fireworks to make #SydNYE happen - go behind the scenes as the crew prepares the display you're about to see pic.twitter.com/EWiUDtKn5N
12.34pm GMT
Safety and security is high on the agenda for New Year celebrations around the world this year:
Security is high in London ahead of the New Year's Eve celebrations pic.twitter.com/xMvxdQcs4F
12.18pm GMT
I love this photograph of a passenger plane flying in front of a rainbow during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan.
12.16pm GMT
More pretty pictures from down under courtesy of ABC News Australia:
Beautiful shots from Sydney by @brantdcumming #abcnye Full story: https://t.co/5BOWyIEAC8 @abcnews pic.twitter.com/AdSILxdlDq
11.55am GMT
While most people are gathering to ring in the new year, in South Korea people have once again gathered in protest. Even on New Year’s Eve, large crowds of protesters have turned out in Seoul to demand the resignation of the impeached President Park Geun-hye, who is determined to restore her powers through a court trial.
11.44am GMT
Security concerns have hit many new year events this year, with many cities opting to set up truck blockades as a new tactic to try to prevent vehicles ploughing into crowds, as happened in Berlin and Nice this year.
While Sydney is using garbage trucks as safety barriers, the German capital has beefed up security after the 19 December attack, deploying hundreds more police, some armed with machine-guns.
11.41am GMT
In case you’re confused, Sydney has two sets of fireworks – one at 9pm (for families who don’t want to be out too late), and the other at midnight proper, which falls at 1pm GMT.
Here’s a time lapse of the 9pm fireworks, boiled down to a mere 16 seconds by Mike Bowers, Guardian Australia’s photographer-at-large:
For those who missed it here is the 9pm Sydney fireworks in a time lapse-condensed to 16 seconds #HNY2017 @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/tCvLeh95e0
11.38am GMT
Does anyone else think the Sky Tower in Auckland looks like a bit like a pineapple in this stunning shot?
11.34am GMT
Many of us can’t wait for 2016 to be over, but did you know that we are going to have to endure an entire extra second of it?
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is to introduce a “leap second” after 23.59:59 on 31 December.
As a result, clocks striking 00:00:00 will actually be recording a time of 23:59:60 – delaying midnight by a second.
Related: New Year's Eve countdown to take second longer than normal
11.32am GMT
Shame about the lack of capital letters in this tweet from the City of Sydney, but it’s more about the picture of course ...
Paying tribute to the late prince with purple rain #SydNYE pic.twitter.com/xwkSd4NqlS
11.18am GMT
The celebrations in Sydney have already kicked off with a children’s fireworks display. Tell us how you are celebrating in your part of the world.
.@EpicAustralia on #Periscope: #SYDNYE #periNYE Family Fireworks Display #Sydney #epicaustralia https://t.co/RYdnSrEwym
9pm fireworks on Sydney Harbour #NewYearsEve #SydneyNYE pic.twitter.com/blp4qqQl5E
11.16am GMT
11.09am GMT
A hop and skip over the Tasman Sea and Australia is gearing up for its famous new year celebrations in Sydney and will be defying the increased terror threat.
About 1.5 million people are packing Australia’s biggest city to watch the midnight fireworks, a larger-than-usual crowd due to the weekend timing and warm weather, as the New South Wales state premier urged “business as usual”.
10.58am GMT
Only a couple of minutes to go until midnight in New Zealand. How are you celebrating? Tweet me @nicola_slawson and let me know.
Auckland, NZ lit up for New Years #readynowletsparty pic.twitter.com/dXvxUwwzZ3
5 minutes til new years in new Zealand. WOOOOOO. pic.twitter.com/WnmePuTQw4
How stupid is this — no way for people to use public transport on new years in Auckland. Any thoughts @DarbyatCouncil @richardhills777? https://t.co/0FlELju3Vs
10.44am GMT
Happy New Year’s Eve!
Welcome to our last live blog of the year, probably. Join us as we chart the new year being welcomed in across the globe.
Happy New Years to all my fams in Samoa pic.twitter.com/KfaVMV2hcG
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