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Revellers across UK welcome 2008 Revellers across UK welcome 2008
(20 minutes later)
Millions of people across the UK have celebrated the arrival of the New Year.Millions of people across the UK have celebrated the arrival of the New Year.
Crowds of at least 350,000 people gathered in London, with many lining up at the River Thames for the firework display at the London Eye. An estimated 700,000 people gathered in London, with many lining up at the River Thames for the firework display at the London Eye.
In Edinburgh, about 100,000 revellers enjoyed the street party, with about 15,000 in Glasgow's George Square.In Edinburgh, about 100,000 revellers enjoyed the street party, with about 15,000 in Glasgow's George Square.
In Cardiff, some 30,000 people joined in the Calennig celebrations at Cardiff Castle, and 5,500 celebrated at an open air concern in Belfast.In Cardiff, some 30,000 people joined in the Calennig celebrations at Cardiff Castle, and 5,500 celebrated at an open air concern in Belfast.
We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time Keeley Taylor, 19, in LondonWe're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time Keeley Taylor, 19, in London
Keeley Taylor, 19, travelled from Bolton, Lancs, to spend midnight in London.Keeley Taylor, 19, travelled from Bolton, Lancs, to spend midnight in London.
"We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time and there's a really good atmosphere here," she said."We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time and there's a really good atmosphere here," she said.
Thirty-six-year-old Steven Lewin, from South Africa, was also in the city.Thirty-six-year-old Steven Lewin, from South Africa, was also in the city.
"This is my last Christmas in the UK, and I thought I'd do something a bit cultural and see central London over the New Year," he said."This is my last Christmas in the UK, and I thought I'd do something a bit cultural and see central London over the New Year," he said.
Londoner James O'Shea, 32, said "It's amazing to be in one of the world's most vibrant cities on a night like this."Londoner James O'Shea, 32, said "It's amazing to be in one of the world's most vibrant cities on a night like this."
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Andy Tarrant said plans for the capital's New Year events had been going on for almost 12 months.Metropolitan Police Superintendent Andy Tarrant said plans for the capital's New Year events had been going on for almost 12 months.
"We have got in excess of 3,600 police officers on duty to make the evening as safe and crime-free as possible," he said."We have got in excess of 3,600 police officers on duty to make the evening as safe and crime-free as possible," he said.
As of 0030 GMT, police said there had been 17 arrests in London, nine for drunk and disorderly behaviour.As of 0030 GMT, police said there had been 17 arrests in London, nine for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
'All the stops''All the stops'
In Edinburgh, mild conditions dispelled fears that there would be a repeat of last year's disappointment, when the event was cancelled hours before midnight because of severe weather.In Edinburgh, mild conditions dispelled fears that there would be a repeat of last year's disappointment, when the event was cancelled hours before midnight because of severe weather.
I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world Mark Hudson, 31, in EdinburghI've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world Mark Hudson, 31, in Edinburgh
X-Factor winner Leon Jackson had been due to open the Hogmanay street party at 2200 GMT, but was forced to pull out due to ill health.X-Factor winner Leon Jackson had been due to open the Hogmanay street party at 2200 GMT, but was forced to pull out due to ill health.
Mark Hudson, 31, from Sydney, said: "I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world.Mark Hudson, 31, from Sydney, said: "I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world.
"I think tonight is going to be extra special because of the cancellation last year and I think they are really going to pull out all the stops.""I think tonight is going to be extra special because of the cancellation last year and I think they are really going to pull out all the stops."
Bristol held a New Year's Eve Gala at Colston Hall, which hosted an evening with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.Bristol held a New Year's Eve Gala at Colston Hall, which hosted an evening with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
There was a free event at the Anglican cathedral in Liverpool, where the Love and Joy Gospel Choir sang.There was a free event at the Anglican cathedral in Liverpool, where the Love and Joy Gospel Choir sang.
But thousands of rail passengers travelling on New Year's Day are facing delays after over-running engineering work was extended by another day.But thousands of rail passengers travelling on New Year's Day are facing delays after over-running engineering work was extended by another day.
The work affects Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, Scotland, north Wales and north-west England.The work affects Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, Scotland, north Wales and north-west England.
Services will now not return to normal until 0530 GMT on 2 January.Services will now not return to normal until 0530 GMT on 2 January.