Germany cheers 25 years since Berlin Wall's fall: PICS

It is due to be watched by Merkel, the last Soviet leader,Mikhail Gorbachev, 83, former Polish president and freedom icon Lech Walesa, 71, as well as German head of state JoachimGauck, 74, a former pastor and rights activist in the East, and Hungarian ex-premier Miklos Nemeth, 66.Gorbachev warned yesterday that the world was on the"brink of a new Cold War", amid tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine. He complained of a "breakdown of trust" in recent months,adding: "Let us remember that there can be no security in Europe without German-Russian partnership." Unlike events for the 20th anniversary, no visiting heads of state or government are due, with the organisation this time more grassroots. Entertainment will range from the Berlin State Orchestra under the baton of Daniel Barenboim to a fireworks display and performances by East German rock band Silly and techno musician Paul Kalkbrenner.