11 December 2023

New Year's midnight fireworks scrapped for extended show at family-friendly timeslot

| Lizzie Waymouth
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fireworks over Canberra

New Year’s Eve fireworks along Lake Burley Griffin in 2022. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

The annual fireworks by the lake are back, but there will not be a midnight display to see in 2024.

This year, there will be a single extended fireworks show at the more popular time of 9 pm rather than two shorter displays at 9 pm and midnight.

The event will include a 15-minute fireworks spectacular with a synchronised soundtrack.

Assistant Minister for Economic Development Tara Cheyne said previous attendance numbers demonstrated that the community “strongly favours the earlier showtime” as it is more suitable for families.

“This year’s New Year’s Eve event will be a fantastic night in Canberra once again. A single extended fireworks spectacular is planned this year at the more popular time of 9 pm,” she said.

“This year, we are consolidating the same volume of fireworks previously spread across two shows into one huge fireworks spectacular launched from the Central Basin and Commonwealth Bridge to ensure a great view for everyone.

“It is sure to be a memorable experience.”

There will be three event hubs around the lake at premium viewing sites at Rond Terrace, Regatta Point and Commonwealth Place.

“This is a free event – you can bring a picnic or support some of our great local food and drink vendors who will be situated near each hub,” Ms Cheyne said.

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Each viewing point will be filled with music from local DJs Boom Box 2U, while a synchronised soundtrack will accompany the extended fireworks display as it launches from the Central Basin and Commonwealth Bridge to maximise visibility for everyone.

Services and amenities will be dispersed across the three hub areas, including food trucks, first aid, portable toilets and security.

The display can also be seen from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and other parks and viewpoints in the suburbs of Acton, Civic, Barton, Campbell, Kingston, Reid, Russell, Yarralumla and beyond.

These areas will not have any additional amenities, food vendors or entertainment in place by Events ACT.

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The food vendors will be open from 5:30 pm at the three hub areas along the foreshore and the music will start at 6 pm.

“For those keen to keep the party going after 9 pm, head into the city and support our sensational local venues,” Ms Cheyne said.

Free public transport will be available on the night.

Find out more about Canberra’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, visit the Events ACT website.

Original Article published by Lizzie Waymouth on Riotact.

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