Hong Kong welcomed the start of 2023 on Sunday with the biggest New Year gatherings since pre-pandemic times, a sign of hope for the year ahead.

The traditional fireworks were again called off, but crowds gathered on the waterfront at places such as Tsim Sha Tsui were entertained by a spectacular light show. It's the first major celebration since a ban on gatherings of more than 12 was lifted in December.

With most Covid restrictions now withdrawn, bars and restaurants in Lan Kwai Fong and other areas enjoyed a busy evening.

People RTHK spoke to earlier expressed hope for the year ahead.

"For 2023 my aim is to get back to a more normal life rather than being stuck at home, where your body starts to fail because of a lack of activities," one woman said.

A young man told us: "It's been pretty hard this year for most students because it's been a lot of online (learning) and things like that. But I think, overall, we learned to better work with each other through this difficult period, to support each other in our learning."

"After three years of pandemic, this year I got the chance to be back home in the Philippines to visit my family," another woman said. "The most important lesson in the 2020s is: never give up. Always think positive, but don't be positive for Covid."