City of Culture:Thousands of people took up vantage points on both banks of the River Foyle in Derry on New Year's Eve to welcome not only 2013, but also the start of the city's hosting of the UK's first ever City of Culture year.
A pyrotechnic extravaganza started the celebrations shortly after 8pm as hundreds of fireworks were launched from the banks of the river.
Hoteliers and bed and breakfast businesses reported brisk trade as thousands travelled from all over Ireland to join in the celebrations.
Organisers of the City of Culture year hope it will generate more than £100 million for the local economy. Just over 140 events, including the Turner Prize being presented outside England for the first time, the all-Ireland Fleadh, a new commission by the London Symphony Orchestra and the first visit to Northern Ireland in over 20 years by the Royal Ballet, will take place in Derry this year.