SINGAPORE: From the heartlands to the central business district, thousands in Singapore partied the night away at various countdown parties to welcome the start of a new decade.
The fireworks at Marina did not disappoint close to 300,000 people who gathered for the nation's biggest countdown party.
At the stroke of midnight, fireworks showered over the Bay with synchronised music by local composer Iskandar Ismail.
The impressive display capped a night of high-energy performances at the floating platform by local celebrities like Singapore Idol Sezairi Sezali and Taiwanese star David Tao.
There were also grand celebrations in the heartlands.
At Serangoon Gardens, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined residents at a street party called "Serangoon Swing".
The last time such a party was held was in 1999 to welcome the new millenium.
And as residents ushered a brand new year, they shared their hopes for for 2011.
"2010 has been great for me, and my wish for 2011 is for my friends and family is to stay healthy and happy always," said a resident.
Over at Tiong Bahru, the countdown party, which is the only one to be held from 6pm till 1am in a neighbourhood park, was a gathering of Singaporeans, permanent residents and new immigrants.
It aims to provide multiple platforms and opportunities to foster social integration.
At Sentosa Island, more than 15,000 party-goers made a splash at the beach party located at Siloso beach.
Revellers partied to non-stop music till dawn.
And a stone's throw away, Resorts World Sentosa held its first ever New Year Countdown Party at Universal Studios Singapore.
The private event was organized specially to thank fans and loyal customers for their support, since the resort opened in January 2010.
5,000 lucky guests selected from amongst the resort's Facebook fans and customer database.
