Taiwan’s largest fireworks display to go ahead, with fewer revellers

Taipei, Dec. 31, (dpa/GNA) – Taiwan’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the 509-metre tall Taipei 101 high-rise building, one of the tallest buildings in the world, will still take place, while some planned outdoor events around the island have been downsized or even cancelled.

After Taiwan on Wednesday discovered a new coronavirus variant first detected in Britain had entered the country, Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je on Thursday limited the number of participants at a New Year’s Eve outdoor gathering in front of the city hall to only 40,000 revellers.

Usually, hundreds of thousands of revellers gather in front of the city hall to enjoy the fireworks show at the nearby Taipei 101 high-rise building.

According to Taipei 101 management, about 16,000 fireworks will be used during the five-minute display, themed on “love” and a tribute to medical personnel around the world.

Residents have been encouraged to watch the displays online.

GNA