A NUMBER of years ago, New Year’s Eve in Newcastle underwent a transformation, a culture change, from a night of heavy alcohol consumption to a family-friendly event.
And it will be more of the same on Monday night as family-focused activities dominate the festivities.
An explosion of colour will light up the night sky over the Newcastle foreshore at 9pm, with people clambering for a glimpse on both sides of the harbour.
There will also be a creative street party, live music, an inflatable land for children, food trucks and market stalls. At Maitland, the riverbank will again be a hive of activity with more than 10,000 people expected for family-friendly festivities kicking off at 5pm.
There will be a stack of entertainment, including live music on the new riverside stage, food stalls and a fireworks display at 9pm.
Once again, Lake Macquarie City Council will not be hosting or running any New Year’s Eve events, but those wishing to watch fireworks by the lake can head to a community event at Wangi RSL, where pyrotechnics are launched from a barge at 9pm.
As has been tradition for the past 15 years, d’Albora Marinas will host Nelson Bay’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Live music and children’s activities will be available at the marina from 11am on Monday.
The day will culminate with the 9pm fireworks display over the bay and organisers are expecting between 5000 and 6000 people along the waterfront.
In wine country, Hunter Valley Gardens will host a 9pm fireworks show and nearby Harrigan’s Irish Pub will have a midnight display as part of a VIP party.
