As a mark of respect, the chimes of Big Ben, as the bell and clock tower by the Palace of Westminster are commonly known, were silenced for the duration of the proceedings.

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Revellers in the city centre greeted the new year by eating 12 grapes in time with the chimes at Madrid's central Puerta del Sol clock in a national tradition, while hundreds of thousands partied in Berlin to live music in the landmark Brandenburg Gate.

BBC: New Year's Eve 2012: Celebrations around the world