Thousands of people gathered in Wuhan and released balloons as 2023 began

Countries around the world have celebrated New Year, after two years of muted or cancelled events due to the Covid pandemic. 

Celebrations have taken place on the east coast of the United States, and in Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean. 

Cities across Europe, Africa and Asia have also held firework-filled festivities marking the start of 2023. 

In China, huge crowds gathered to take advantage of recently-lifted restrictions.

Until recently, the country had been following a zero-Covid approach, continuing to enforce strict lockdowns even as other nations around the world appeared to return to normal. 

However, the disease is surging across the country, and many places are placing travel restrictions on travellers from China - Australia has become the latest to do so.

The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, used her New Year address to offer help to China to combat the recent surge in Covid cases. 

In pictures: World celebrates arrival of 2023

In London, there was a drone display as part of a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, while in Edinburgh, thousands enjoyed the first full Hogmanay celebrations in three years.