45,000 welcome in new year at Atomium

About 45,000 people braved the rain and strong winds to see in the new year at the Atomium.

Organisers had been keeping a close eye on the weather - after several firework displays in Flanders had to be cancelled, including in Ostend and Bruges.

The DJ set, light show and midnight fireworks were moved to the Atomium this year because of ongoing construction works around De Brouckere on the new pedestrian zone.

Antwerp's New Year's Eve festivities went ahead as planned, attracting 97,000 partygoers.

55 volunteers took part in the Responsible Young Drivers initiative for the 26th year running, offering free rides home to 260 people in Brussels and Wallonia.

Photo: Anthony Dehez/Belga