Thousands welcome the New Year in Britain

Millions of revellers saw in the New Year with spectacular firework displays and huge street parties in major cities across Britain and around the world.

In London, about 700,000 people lined the Thames for a celebration that included the most extravagant fireworks display ever held in the capital — at a cost of £1.3 million.

Some waited more than six hours to ensure they secured prime firework viewing places along the Thames and as midnight approached, the rain fell with increasing persistence, but it failed to dampen spirits.

As Big Ben chimed the first moments of 2008, the fireworks lit the sky.

参考译文：
Thousands welcome the New Year in Britain
英国数千人喜迎新年

Millions of revellers saw in the New Year with spectacular firework displays and huge street parties in major cities across Britain and around the world.
在伦敦和世界各地，数以百万计的狂欢者在壮观的烟火表演和大型街头晚会中迎接新年的到来。

In London, about 700,000 people lined the Thames for a celebration that included the most extravagant fireworks display ever held in the capital — at a cost of £1.3 million.
在伦敦，大约七十万人在泰晤士河边庆祝。其中包括在首都有史以来燃放的最奢华的烟火表演，造价一百三十万英镑。

Some waited more than six hours to ensure they secured prime firework viewing places along the Thames and as midnight approached, the rain fell with increasing persistence, but it failed to dampen spirits.
有的人等了6个多小时只为在泰晤士河边争取到观赏烟花的最佳位置。随着午夜来临，雨悄然而至并愈加持久，但她并没有浇熄人们的热情。

As Big Ben chimed the first moments of 2008, the fireworks lit the sky.
随着大笨钟敲响2008年的第一声，烟火照亮了夜空。