New Year's Eve plans for tens of thousands of revellers have been thrown into disarray as major celebrations across the globe have been called off. Authorities from Australia to Europe have cancelled fireworks displays, parties, and public gatherings citing a combination of heightened security concerns, recent tragedies, and natural disasters.
Security Threats and Tragedies Force Cancellations
The decision to scale back festivities follows a series of alarming incidents. In Los Angeles, the FBI exposed a planned bombing attack, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41 were all taken into custody after surveillance footage showed them attempting to assemble a bomb. While LA's official events proceed, the scare has cast a shadow worldwide.
In Sydney, the community is still reeling from the Bondi Beach shooting that claimed 15 lives and injured 40 others. Consequently, Waverley Council cancelled New Year's Eve events at Bondi Beach, including the elrow XXL Bondi and Local's Lawn gatherings. The council stated the move was made with "compassion and care for Sydney's Jewish community," with Premier Chris Minns acknowledging many Jewish residents currently feel unsafe.
Global Scale of Disruption
The wave of cancellations is remarkably widespread. In Russia, traditional official fireworks are being scrapped nationwide. Authorities in at least 64 of Russia's 89 regions have announced they will not hold displays in major cities, with Red Square remaining closed and patrolled by police. Mobile internet disruptions and limits on alcohol sales have also been reported.
European capitals are not immune. In Paris, a popular music event on the Champs-Elysées was cancelled over police fears of dangerous crowd crushes. Similarly, Tokyo authorities called off the famous Shibuya Station countdown due to crowding and public drinking concerns.
Solidarity with Disaster Victims and Safety Reviews
Other cancellations stem from acts of solidarity and urgent safety reviews. Indonesia's government is supporting regions abandoning fireworks displays in solidarity with victims of the devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra, which have killed over 900 people in Indonesia alone and more than 1,500 across parts of Asia.
In Hong Kong, an alternative display will replace the traditional fireworks following the city's deadliest fire in decades at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which killed at least 160 people, including a one-year-old child and a 97-year-old. Belgrade has also cancelled some events, including those for the Serbian New Year on 14 January, due to concerns over children's safety after previous barrier breaches.
Despite the disruptions, some iconic displays will continue. Sydney Harbour's fireworks over the Opera House will proceed, albeit with a moment's silence for the Bondi victims, and Paris's principal fireworks display is still scheduled.
