New Year's Eve: World celebrates arrival of 2023

New year celebrations are in full flow in parts of the world where 2023 has already arrived.

The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first to welcome in the new year, followed by New Zealand an hour later.

And thousands gathered in Sydney for the Australian city's renowned fireworks display.

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Sydney's fireworks launched from its Harbour Bridge, Opera House and barges in its famous harbour

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Many also gathered to watch the fireworks under the trees in Sydney Botanic Gardens

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People had gathered early to get a prime spot to watch the midnight fireworks over the Sydney Opera House

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The Hagley Park celebrations in Christchurch, New Zealand, were marked with fireworks and live music

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People gather to celebrate the clocks turning midnight in Seoul, South Korea

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Revellers release balloons as they take part in new year celebrations in Tokyo, Japan

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Entertainers perform during a countdown event for the 2023 new year celebrations in Tokyo

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Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the new year in Hong Kong

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People celebrate in Taiwan, as fireworks light up the skyline from the Taipei 101 building

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Fireworks exploded over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand as the clock struck midnight

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New year fireworks light up the sky over Rizal Park in Manila, in the Philippines