Revelers brave elements as world ushers in the new year

Chimes of Big Ben

London ushered in the New Year with its annual fireworks on New Year's Eve and a parade on New Year's Day.

As part of the Mayor's #LondonI-sOpen campaign, the city's New Year's Eve Fireworks 2018 aimed to show the world that London is proud to be a global, European city and to send a message of support to more than 1 million European citizens living in London.

The display, organized by the mayor of London, brought together more than 100,000 spectators. The show, which is the largest annual fireworks display in Europe, included eight tons of fireworks connected to 5,000 firing circuits across 348 firing locations on barges, pontoons and the Coca-Cola London Eye.

The celebration was started by the chimes of Big Ben, which has remained silent during the year while undergoing renovation.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: "By paying tribute to our close relationship with Europe as we welcome in the New Year, we will once again show the world that London will always be open."

The New Year's Day Parade was schuled in the city's historic heart at noon, featuring thousands of performers and colorful floats from across the world.

Across the channel in Paris, Parisians and tourists gathered on the Champs-Elysees to celebrate New Year's Eve under heavy security.

Anti-government protesters from the yellow vests movement issued calls on social media for "festive" demonstrations on the famous avenue.

Paris police set up a security perimeter in the area, with bag searches, a ban on alcohol and traffic restrictions.

The Interior Ministry said Sunday that the heavy security measures were needed because of a "high terrorist threat" and concerns about "non-declared protests."

AP contributed to this story.