new_year_in_octagon_1_311217.jpg Photo: Peter McIntoshA large crowd turned out to welcome the new year in Dunedin. Up to 18,000 were expected to be in the Octagon when the Municipal Chambers clock chimed midnight. Rain which had been falling on the city for most of the day cleared just in time for Dunedin soul, funk and rhythm and blues covers band Dubious Groove to start the festivities at 8pm, followed by Christchurch band The Easy Hearts. At midnight, the Robbie Burns cannon fired marking the start of 2018, followed by a five-minute fireworks display from the Civic Centre roof and the playing of Auld Lang Syne.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2017 04:30 UTC