Thousands to brave cold and windy weather to ring in the new year

Despite predicted chilly winds more than 300,000 people are expected to pack the waterfront and party hotspots tonight to watch the clock tick over to 2014.

Fireworks and special effects will light up Victoria Harbour during an eight-minute pyrotechnic and musical spectacular based around the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai at midnight.

In addition "shooting stars" will be launched from rooftops around the harbour at 15-minute intervals from 11pm to remind people not to miss the new year and to make a special wish.

Prime vantage spots include the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central or Golden Bauhinia Square, while revellers seeking a more luxurious night can join one of the new year countdown cruises touring the harbour.

Elsewhere the streets of Lan Kwai Fong will be packed with droves of tourists and locals who make the annual pilgrimage to mark the countdown. Times Square will try to match its namesake in New York with musical performances and a countdown featuring popular artists including Denise Ho Wan-sze, Shirley Kwan Suk-yee, Linda Chung Ka-yan and Alfred Hui Ting-hang.

Lan Kwai Fong and surrounding streets will be closed to traffic in phases from 6pm. Parts of the Hung Hom Bypass, Salisbury Road, Nathan Road and Canton Road will be closed from 8pm, with the Star Ferry bus terminus and Kowloon Park Drive to follow shortly afterwards.