5 December 2024

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks will feature an expanded display this year, with 80 new launch positions on the western side of the Harbour Bridge ensuring an enhanced spectacle for both sides of the iconic landmark. The City of Sydney revealed plans for the event, which will include more than 20 minutes of fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

The event will incorporate 26,500 lights and nine tonnes of fireworks across eight floating platforms and the 80 new positions on the Harbour Bridge, illuminating seven kilometres of Sydney Harbour. Moore emphasised the collaborative effort behind the event, involving over 1,000 accredited personnel working across programming, logistics and safety planning.

This year’s event places a special focus on women, with contributions from female composers, producers, creatives, and technicians ranging in age from 6 to 79. The 9pm and midnight displays will honour Barangaroo, a Cammeraygal leader and significant historical figure, with projections on the Harbour Bridge pylons reflecting her connection to Sydney Harbour’s waterways.

A series of cultural presentations will precede the fireworks. At 7.30pm, a traditional smoking ceremony led by Tribal Warrior vessels will cleanse the harbour of negative spirits. At 8.30pm, Yvonne Weldon AM will deliver a Welcome to Country, followed by “Country’s Calling,” an original song by ARIA Award winner Nooky, accompanied by a fireworks display celebrating the land, sky and sea.

The creative display will extend to immersive visual effects on the bridge pylons, portraying Barangaroo as a shape-shifting figure embodying the rhythms of the ocean. Produced by studio VANDAL, the visuals will combine artistic performance and generative AI.

The midnight fireworks, produced by Foti International Fireworks, will feature 23,000 pyrotechnic shots, 13,000 aerial shells, and 264 firing locations, including the sails of the Sydney Opera House and city skyscrapers. This year’s addition of western launch sites on the Harbour Bridge promises the best-ever visuals across the harbour.

The event’s soundtrack, produced by screen composer Luna Pan, will integrate orchestral music with techno, reggae, and rock influences, complementing the underwater-inspired visual themes.

The event will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with a special “pink moment” at 10pm showcasing pink lighting and projections across the harbour in recognition of the foundation’s 30th anniversary.

Attendees are encouraged to plan their visit, with managed entry points and transport arrangements detailed on the official event website. ABC and KIIS FM will broadcast the festivities live, ensuring the celebrations reach audiences locally and globally.

2024 NYE Media Launch: Phoebe Pratt for City of Sydney_L-R Nicolette Anastasio, Elena Colosi, Calula Webster, Olivia Webster, Georgia Rapisarda, Luna Pan

Meanwhile, North Sydney Council has announced its plans for managing key vantage points for New Year’s Eve 2024, with three un-ticketed sites set to welcome thousands of attendees. Entry to these locations will close once they reach capacity, ensuring public safety during the evening.

The council’s flagship site, Bradfield Park, incorporating Mary Booth Reserve, will accommodate up to 16,000 people. Opening at 9.30am, the site will remain accessible until 12.30am. Facilities include accessible toilets, food outlets, water stations, and allowance for BYO food. Attendees are reminded that restrictions apply, including a ban on glass, drones, camping, pets, sharp objects, alcohol, and re-entry once the site is full. The nearest stations for Bradfield Park are Milsons Point, North Sydney, and the Victoria Cross Metro.

Blues Point Reserve, including Henry Lawson Reserve, will hold 8,000 attendees. The site will open at 9am and also close at 12.30am. Similar to Bradfield Park, facilities include accessible toilets, food outlets, and water stations, with BYO food permitted. The nearest transport hubs are North Sydney and Victoria Cross Metro.

The Lavender Bay Parklands, incorporating Watt, Clark, and Quibaree Parks, will cater to a smaller crowd of 3,000 attendees. Opening from 9am to 12.30am, this site offers accessible toilets in Clark Park, along with food outlets and water stations. Like the other managed sites, alcohol, glass, and other restricted items are prohibited. North Sydney and Victoria Cross Metro are the nearest stations.

Each managed site will feature first aid stations, portable toilets, and designated water refill areas. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable non-glass water bottles as plastic bottles will not be sold on-site. All three managed sites are alcohol-free zones, with security and council staff on hand to ensure compliance.

Foreshore parks such as Waverton Park, Cremorne Point, and St Peters Park will remain open without managed access. While alcohol is prohibited at these sites, additional amenities, including portable toilets and waste bins, will be provided alongside a heightened police presence.

Meanwhile, Balls Head Reserve will be completely closed to the public for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Road closures will begin at 10pm on 30 December, with pedestrian access restricted from midday on 31 December.