Sights and sounds of 1989

When the Berlin Wall opened on 9 November 1989, families and friends wept tears of joy. It was a time of euphoria and hope for the future. Ten years on, BBC News Online looks back at the sights and sounds of that historic reunion between East and West Germany.

Germans from East and stand on the Berlin Wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate the day after the Wall opened.

 Julia Michaelis, local leader of the New Forum looks back on November 1989

East German border guards look through a hole in the Berlin Wall after demonstrators pulled down the segment at Brandenburg Gate on 11, November.

 Stephen Milligan looks at the history of the Wall

East Germans climb on top of the Wall that once divided the city.

 David Loyn reports from Philipsthal, East Germany as the Wall opens

It was described as the biggest street party in Europe. Pictures were broadcast live all around the world.

 Ben Brown reports as East and West Berlin are reunited

When the Wall fell, many parts were broken up and sold as souvenirs.

 Michael Hamburger, New Forum spokesman on why the Wall fell

Berliners listen to a rehearsal of a band in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on 8 November, the eve of the 10th anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall.