Sydney New Year’s Eve countdown begins

The program for the most spectacular end-of-the-year event that the rest of the world is waiting for – New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour –  has been launched at Sydney Opera House.

Sydney will again set a benchmark for the planet when 58,000 fireworks weighing in at 8.5 tonnes will explode over Sydney Harbour this December 31.

AI technology will also be used for the first time in the event’s history, with animated segments projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge throughout the evening.

While an Indigenous smoking ceremony will open the Sydney harbourside event, followed by the pylon projections and lighting display, illuminated vessels will also light up the waterways.

For the younger ones, there will be an appearance from Heelers, Bluey and Bing. But the big guns come out at the 9pm and midnight when the night sky will be lit up by Foti Fireworks, veterans of 27 New Year’s Eves.

This year, the fireworks display will include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, five city buildings, Crown casino, Four Seasons hotel, Grosvenor Place in addition to six floating barges and four pontoons.

There will also be a tribute to the City of Sydney’s official charity partner, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with a special “pink moment” and accompanying projections on the bridge. The attending are encouraged to dress up in pink, or hold pink parties at home, and register to help raise funds.

“New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour is objectively one of the most spectacular annual events on the planet,” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover AO said.

“The event highlights the best qualities of this city – our glorious harbour, relaxed lifestyle and penchant to party.

“The festivities bring together people of all ages from more than 200 cultures that make up our city, as well as thousands of interstate and international visitors.

“I encourage everyone keen to ring in the New Year in Sydney to plan ahead, get there early to avoid disappointment, and enjoy everything our wonderful city has to offer.”

All you need to know about New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore (centre left) at the launch of New Year’s Eve program for 2023.
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