Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at Foreshore Park with representatives from New Year’s Eve celebrations entertainment providers Bliss Cavanagh (Happy Senses), Luke Russel (indigenous arts group Wylaa Buuranliyn) and Tom Pahlow (Fabulist Umbra Puppetry)Newcastle will farewell 2021 with a spectacular return of New Year’s Eve celebrations to the Foreshore, with the much-loved family-friendly event to be capped off with a dazzling 9pm fireworks display.
DJ sets, roving entertainers and amusement rides will deliver a fun, festive atmosphere throughout the harbourside precinct, which will come alive with a range of activities spread along Wharf Road.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said after a COVID-enforced hiatus in 2020, she was looking forward to the safe return of the Foreshore celebrations and fireworks display, which is the most popular community event on the city’s calendar.
“Our city has just been through one of the most trying periods in recent history and after a difficult two years we’re ready to come together as a community to welcome 2022,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The wellbeing of our community is City of Newcastle’s key priority, which is why we’ve been planning the celebration in close consultation with lead agencies to ensure all necessary COVID-19 safety measures are in place and that social distancing can be maintained.
“It will be fantastic to celebrate the new year and bid farewell to 2021 with family-friendly activities and the return of the 9pm fireworks display to Newcastle Foreshore.
“By holding our much-loved New Year’s celebrations we’ll be supporting local performers, entertainers and vendors who have been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and the recent lockdowns.”
Cr Nelmes said there would be a range of activities, amusement rides, food vendors and market stalls on offer for those heading to the Foreshore on New Year’s Eve, allowing people to spread themselves throughout the precinct from Lynch’s Hub through to The Station.
“The hallmark of City of Newcastle’s New Year’s Eve events is free entertainment and activities,” Cr Nelmes said.
“People heading to the Foreshore can take a picnic blanket and set up in front of their choice of DJ, take the kids to a variety of activities including Indigenous art workshops, or visit the popular VIP sensory area designed specifically for people with disabilities before settling in to see the sky come alive with colour during the 9pm fireworks display.
“With a recent survey telling us the Foreshore New Year’s Event generates the most interest among residents, we can’t wait to bring our community together and bid goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with hope and optimism.”
The decision to proceed with New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Foreshore was made in consultation with NSW Health and with the support of NSW Police. Preparations are underway in line with advice from the NSW Government and local authorities to ensure the safety of all attendees, contractors and employees.
To ensure attendees can adhere to social distancing requirements, the traditional New Year’s Eve main stage concert will not take place this year.