Thousands of people cheered in 2011 with mega parties in Valletta and Floriana tonight.

They clapped, kissed and danced as the final countdown consigned 2010 into the history books and brought in 2011.

The open air party held in St George's Square, Valletta, held for the first time, was a huge success, with the festive atmosphere enjoyed by thousands since well before midnight.

Winter Moods led the partying in the run-up to midnight. The square was packed, as was most of Republic Street, and restaurants had a roaring trade.

Nearby St Anne Street, Floriana, was similarly crowded, with the Big Band Brothers and John Bundy leading the celebrations.

Fireworks were let off, balloons rose into the still air and confetti rained down as the clock marked midnight.

Many people took sparking wine with them and shared the bubbly.

CHAOS AT THE BUS TERMINUS

But celebration turned into frustration for hundreds of people who went to the bus terminus to take a bus home, only to find there were no buses and they were in for a long wait, if they were lucky.

Several people on the scene said traffic congestion in Floriana caused by traffic from the Valletta and Floriana parties had prevented the buses from reaching Valletta.

A woman told timesofmalta.com that she was ashamed at how this event turned out to be.

"The whole transport system was a mess. As I decided to leave Valletta at around 1am, I found myself walking into an empty bus terminus. Not a single bus to be seen. I asked an official who appeared to be an ADT person as to why there were no buses available, he simply said that they decided not to show up and spend time with family !

"With thousands of people waiting for buses to come, some did finally arrive. However there weren't enough to cater for all those people and therefore, fights broke out. It was like world war 2, and no police to be seen. What a shame!!"