fireworks

The shows were held at secret locations, each lasting five minutes from 20:00 local time (12:00 BST).

Organisers set a time limit for the displays to avoid crowds gathering.

Initially, they said the time and date of the event would not be revealed but later reversed course, deciding a sudden pyrotechnics show could cause distress to some.

Filling the skies with a burst of light, the fireworks lasted long enough for people who did not know about it in advance to view them from the street or their homes.

The blaze at the Sheraton Deva prompted a call-out of firefighters from nearby Bourail as well as from Kone and La Foa.

The president of the southern province Philippe Michel said tourists had caused the fire.

He said cleaners had seen them ignite fireworks despite a formal ban on their use.

There was no report about how costly the damage to the resort, which opened in 2014, would be.

“It is against the law for anybody attempting of making a fireworks display at their own risk inside their premises.

“Persons are required to get a licensed from the right authority to do the display at their homes”, warns police.

Lives are at risk during such display activities.

The NCD Metropolitant police commander, Perou N’Dranou says that they have been tolerant so far in dealing with the matter, however for those who have been given permit to use; certain conditions have been given on where and how it should be used.

Community impact projects director and owner of the Snow Pass Eco-Lodge, Vincent Kumura said they plan to host a New Year’s Eve BBQ for people in the area.

They’re planning a huge bonfire at 2,300m above sea level overlooking the majestic Ramu Valley.

The bonfire will be lit 10 minutes before midnight for New Year resolutions followed by a dedication prayer for the people.

Kumura explained that at midnight they will sound the alarm from two loud hailers followed by a wonderful display of fireworks.

More than 70 others were injured as the blast hit the San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, about 20 miles (32km) outside the city.

Video from the scene showed a large number of fireworks rocketing into the air as they caught fire.

Dozens of paramedics and police attended the scene. The cause of the explosions is not yet known.

Locals have been told to avoid the area and keep roads clear.

But come 2018, these fleeting fireballs will no longer be left to chance.

Japanese space start-up ALE is developing the technology to deliver on-demand man-made meteors, which could turn the night sky into a blank canvas.

"Imagine a future, where you can use our meteors for international fireworks displays, a proposal for marriage, or a special memorial," says Shinsuke Abe, ALE's research director and Nihon University aerospace engineering professor.

Like a lot of people, this was a dream come true for the trio who always wanted to be part of the Sydney fireworks.

They said despite standing in the que for up to five hours, it was worth it to witness the fireworks live at Macquarie's Point, Sydney Harbour.

“We are glad to have planned this trip and to be part of this event that has always been televised live to countries around the world including PNG.

Occasional spells of rain failed to dampen the spirits of revellers gathering in central London for a vibrant midnight show featuring about 12,000 fireworks - and producing 50,000 projectiles.

As in previous years, the London Eye was the focal point of the pyrotechnic extravaganza, which could be seen for miles around.

Performers led the crowds in a lively, rock-inspired rendition of Auld Lang Syne as the fireworks came to an end.

For years, the Lamana Gold Club has done the show for the thousands of people in Port Moresby that take on the streets at Hohola, Waigani, Gordons and so many other neighbourhoods to watch the spectacle.

Lamana Hotel general manager Yiannis Nicolaou said they have been doing this show for free as their contribution to the people of Moresby and Papua New Guinea.

Nicolaou said that the only place available, safe and convenient for them to do the show is the new Treasury building.