Brussels celebrated New Year's Eve 2023 in style with its first official fireworks display in the Belgian capital since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the initial concerns over the weather forecasts, the celebrations went ahead as planned. The display took place just outside of the Place des Palais in the centre of Brussels.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
Around 50,000 people gathered to enjoy the New Year's Eve fireworks, said Marina Bresciani, spokesperson for the organiser Brussels Major Events.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
Several thousand people made their way to the various spectator areas, which were accessible on foot, namely Place des Palais, Place du Trône, Parc de Bruxelles and Rue Ducale.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
The Brussels police had to close these areas once the capacity limits were reached.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
The organisers kept in touch with the emergency services and the meteorological services to ensure that the fireworks display could be carried out safely, taking into account the windy conditions.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
At around 22:45, the situation was assessed one last time and it was finally decided that the fireworks were safe to go ahead.
Credit: Belga / Lucien Lambotte
