The rain clouds parted and thousands of revellers in Dunedin partied and danced into the New Year. At midnight, the booming sound of the Robbie Burns cannon firing signalled 2018 had arrived, as thousands packed into the Octagon and the surrounding bars to celebrate. Photo: Peter McIntoshEarlier in the night, Christchurch band The Easy Hearts helped keep the party going with a mix of rock classics. Punters also packed into bars and restaurants around the Octagon to find a cosy spot to watch the festivities. Dunedin soul, funk and rhythm and blues covers band Dubious Groove helped start the festivities in front of a small but appreciative crowd.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2017 04:40 UTC