There are just hours to go until one of the world’s largest fireworks displays rings in the new year for Australians and those watching around the world.
Sydney New Year’s Eve will celebrate diversity and inclusion as we head into 2023.
“This New Year’s Eve we are saying Sydney is back as we kick off festivities around the world and bring in the new year with a bang,” Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney said.
“If you’re coming into the city, be sure to plan your night ahead of time, because getting into and out of the city is different on New Year’s Eve.
“Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. There will be large crowds, road closures and entry cut off times at some vantage points, so don’t leave your planning until the last minute.
“2022 has been another year of significant challenges as we continued working to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, but tonight we put the year behind us and look with hope to 2023.”
The night will kick off with a smoking ceremony around the harbour.
Special animations celebrating all facets of life in the harbour city will be beamed onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons as the countdown begins for the Calling Country 9pm fireworks.
The 9pm display will feature pylon projections honouring the knowledge and resilience of Aboriginal people as well as pyrotechnics that draw inspiration from sky, land and sea.
The display has been curated by First Nations artists Carmen Glynn-Braun and Dennis Golding from Re-Right Collective in partnership with Gadigal artist Nadeena Dixon and Foti International Fireworks.
The fireworks will be synchronised to a bespoke soundtrack from artist Rowan Savage before a performance from Akala Newman and rapper Kobie Dee close out the 9pm celebrations.
A special moment at 11pm will see the Progress Pride flag colours beamed onto the bridge while Courtney Act performs ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ on the ABC stage, a nod to the WorldPride festival which will take place in Sydney from February.
At midnight 2,000 fireworks will be launched from the four sails of the Sydney Opera House, while 7,000 effects will fire from 184 positions on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Four city rooftops will also be used as firing platforms to frame the city skyline.
Colours including aquamarine, lemon and magenta, with gold crackling willow shells and green glitter willow shells, will wow crowds across the city as they light up the night sky.
The display will be set to a thumping electronic soundtrack ‘Follow the Lights (NYE 22)’, created especially for the event by platinum-selling, ARIA-nominated music producer Stace Cadet featuring the vocal performance of both Stace Cadet & KLP.
The midnight fireworks will culminate in a rainbow waterfall from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, framed by bursts of colour around the harbour.
Tickets are essential for many vantage points around the harbour. The City of Sydney’s has up-to-date information on where you can view the fireworks and you can also follow our updates on Twitter.
The best way to travel to and from the city on New Year’s Eve is by public transport, with extra services running and major road closures in place.
For those planning to stay at home, you can see Sydney shine on TV or online. ABC TV will broadcast live from Sydney Harbour at 8:30pm. The 9pm and midnight fireworks will be live streamed at and on ABC iview.
The Smith Family is the official charity partner for Sydney New Year’s Eve 2022. This iconic Australian charity helps children in need all over the country make the most of their education and change their future.
For full event details visit sydneynewyearseve.com
For media inquiries or images, contact Nicky Breen. Phone mobile 0436 599 861 or email nbreen@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney contact Nick Langley. 02 8974 4165 or email lordmayormedia@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For New Year’s Eve event information, visit the Sydney New Year’s Eve website.