Australia welcomed 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Opera House, as well as a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.The 40,000 fireworks stretched more than four miles across buildings and barges along the harbour.

As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Thousands of officers are deployed around Sydney Harbour and across the city, with some carrying high-grade weapons as part of heightened security measures.

Sydney moments from spectacular fireworks display as London counts down to midnight - In London, tens of thousands will flock to the banks of the Thames to watch the mayor's annual fireworks display

Sydney rang in 2026 with the city's biggest ever fireworks display over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney rang in 2026 with the city's biggest ever fireworks display over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Terror attack victims remembered with menorah projected on to Harbour Bridge before dazzling display

Sydney, considered the New Year's capital of the world, held a colorful celebration that included a moment of silence for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.

From 12am, 2026 will be rung in with the world’s best fireworks show, featuring pyrotechnics launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and other landmarks. Vantage points on the western side of the city include Barangaroo and Observatory Hill.