Singapore welcomes New Year in drizzle

Singapore welcomes 2016 as thousands of people gathered at Marina Bay to join the city state's annual iconic New Year's Eve celebration despite the intermittent rain.

Jointly presented by Urban Redevelopment Authority and Esplanade, Theaters on the Bay, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown includes lots of activities such as firework display, light projection show at the facade of Fullerton Hotel, Marina Waterfront Bazaar etc.

Thousands of party-goers arrived at the bay early, waiting for the exciting moment under umbrellas and ponchos under the drizzle.

As Singapore begins its journey into the next 50 years and beyond, 20,000 wishing spheres bearing collective hopes and dreams for the year ahead were presented at the Marina Bay, at which a series of celebrations commemorate Singapore's golden jubilee were held in 2015.

Towards the final moments of 2015, an eight-minute magnificent firework display carried people into 2016 with a positive and reinvigorated spirit.

Fireworks spanned the entire Marina Bay during the countdown celebration to 2016 and party-goers can view the fireworks from more locations around the bay, particularly with the opening of the Jubilee Bridge in 2015.

Besides the fireworks, light projection show at the facade of Fullerton Hotel also highlighted the celebrations. Entitled "An explosion of Color," the light show combined vivid imagery and intricate textures to highlight the architectural features of the national landmark, evoking a sense of beauty and grandeur.

Since its inception in 2005, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown has become the nation's largest and most spectacular New Year's Eve celebration. Endit