In pictures: UK sees in 2014 with a bang

Fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben just after midnight

People across the UK have bid farewell to 2013, and welcomed in the start of a new year. As Big Ben chimed midnight, London skies were lit up with a spectacular fireworks display.

A couple kiss during New Year celebrations in London

Partygoers queued for hours to be among the quarter of a million or so expected to gather in London to see in 2014.

Crowds gather on the Embankment and Waterloo Bridge over the River Thames to watch the new year's fireworks

Crowds lined the Embankment and Waterloo Bridge, and boats jostled for a prime viewing spot.

Fireworks explode around the London Eye wheel during New Year celebrations

The dazzling display had the London Eye as a focal point.

Flavoured snow falls on crowds at London's new year firework display

In what was being billed as a world first, crowds enjoyed a "multi-sensory" experience with peach-flavoured snow and edible banana confetti.

Woman celebrates the start of the new year at Edinburgh's street party celebrations

In Edinburgh, thousands of people spilled out into the city centre to count down the last moments of 2013

Fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle during the Hogmanay celebrations

At midnight, fireworks were set off over Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.

Man celebrates the start of the new year in Edinburgh

The city's Hogmanay celebrations, which run over three days, will continue throughout New Year's Day

The clean up begins in central London after the New Year celebrations

As revellers ambled home to sleep off the big night, a huge clean-up operation got under way.