The Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up in a blaze of colour last night with more than 2,400 fireworks dazzling over a million people gathered around the harbour.
Special lighting, new pylon projections and a moving Welcome to Country illuminated Sydney’s ‘grand old dame’, making the world-famous coat-hanger structure of the bridge come alive like never before.
Special flora and fauna fireworks celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens and 100 years of Taronga Zoo at the 9pm family fireworks.
“Once again Sydneysiders showed the world we are the number one spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Sydney was a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour last night, celebrating our many vibrant and diverse cultures in a fantastic welcome to 2016.”
“As one of the first major cities to welcome in 2015, images from last night’s fireworks displays have already been shared around the world on social and traditional media, showcasing our magnificent harbour and encouraging even more people to visit and celebrate in Sydney.”
Millions of people tuned in to watch the two fireworks displays on television and through a live stream on Telstra’s YouTube channel. Destination NSW estimates the event generates an economic boost of more than $133 million for Sydney business.
Seventh-generation master pyrotechnician, Fortunato Foti, wowed the crowds with 2,400 more fireworks than ever before erupting from above, below and through the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Lord Mayor praised the City of Sydney workers who worked hard through the night to ensure Sydney was sparkling this morning.
“While the revellers went home after a great night’s entertainment, a great team of about 350 City staff collected 60 tonnes of waste to keep the city looking pristine in time for sunrise.
"The $300,000 clean-up operation involved the use of 65 trucks, sweepers and compactors and an extra 650 mobile rubbish bins which were filled with plastic bottles, paper and food containers."
For more information and high-resolution images, visit sydneynewyearseve.com or gettyimages.com
For media inquiries or images, contact the City of Sydney media team on 0400 331 027 or email mediateam@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson on 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
2015 Sydney New Year’s Eve is proudly supported by ABC, Telstra, Production Resource Group, The Electric Canvas, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, Coca-Cola Amatil, Crown Lager, De Bortoli Wines, El Jimador, Interface, McWilliam’s Wines, The Menzies Sydney, The P.A. People, 2DayFM, APN Outdoor, and NSW Government agencies and landholders including the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, the Sydney Opera House Trust, and the Royal Australian Mint. The charity partner for 2015 Sydney New Year’s Eve is Habitat for Humanity Australia.