new year’S fIreworkS

From Around The World

Megan Crane reports on some of the world’s most notorious fireworks displays

London

Length: 12 minutes.

Cost: £1.8 million.

Positives: The soundtrack was dominated by female artists, to celebrate the centenary of women being granted the right to vote. Hearts filled with joy to hear the return of the legends that are Big Ben’s bongs.

Negatives: It cost £10 to stand on the street. Does anyone actually know the words to Auld Lang Syne?

Sydney

Length: 12 minutes.

Cost: £4 million.

Positives: The display featured a rainbow tribute to the nation’s historic same-sex marriage vote. One minute of the display was designed by Hugh Jackman.

Negatives: Eleven minutes of the display weren’t designed by Hugh Jackman.

New York

Length: The famous crystal ball takes 60 seconds to descend to the ground, followed by a 12-minute firework display.

Cost: £3 million.

Positives: Confetti!!! Free scarves!! Free handwarmers!!

Negatives: Very, very cold (-12°C). Crowded (over one million people were watching from the streets).

Rio

Length: 17 minutes (remember it’s quality not quantity, President Temer).

Cost: Undisclosed (probably quite a lot).

Positives: People were able to watch from the beach. Free samba instruction was on offer throughout the night.

Negatives: Hundreds of drones filmed the display. Oh, how 2018.

Dubai LED Light Display

Length: 7 minutes.

Cost: Who knows.

Positives: No loud noises. Broke a world record (for the largest laser light show on a single building—niche).

Negatives: No fireworks. Wannabe edgy. Let down.