New Year: Celebrations mark start of 2016

Countries around the world are marking the New Year, with festivities currently under way in parts of Europe and Africa.

Russia and Kenya are among the latest countries to usher in 2016.

Earlier in Japan, people released balloons by Tokyo Tower, while South Koreans celebrated with fireworks and traditional bell-ringing ceremonies.

Revellers in Australia and New Zealand were some of the first to welcome the New Year.Crowds counted down at Auckland's Sky Tower in New Zealand, with a laser show and fireworks display. Fireworks also lit up Sydney harbour in Australia.In one of the more innovative celebrations, four divers equipped with musical instruments and breathing apparatus performed an underwater "concert" in a fish tank in Yantai, east China.

In Dubai, festivities went ahead despite a fire at the city's Address Hotel. A fireworks display was held near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper.Russia is the first major European city to welcome in 2016, with a fireworks display over Red Square.

In Egypt, festivities will be staged in front of the pyramids near Cairo, as the government works to revive its tourist industry.

When 2016 hits Europe, approximately one million people will countdown at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany's capital, Berlin.

Despite security fears across the continent, many major public events are going ahead, though with heightened security restrictions

In Madrid, only 25,000 people will be allowed into the Puerta del Sol Square. More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the Mayor of London's fireworks show, a ticketed event.

Over in Sierra Leone, the declared end of Ebola will mark a return to festivities, after Freetown, the capital, was left deserted a year ago due to the disease's outbreak.

As 2016 finally reaches the Americas, up to a million people are expected to converge on Times Square in New York, amid tight security, to watch the famous ball descend. On Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach, crowds will not only mark the New Year - they will also fete the 100th anniversary of Samba music, and the upcoming summer Olympics.

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