THE end of 2019 is almost here.
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There are plenty of ways to celebrate the New Year at events held around the Hunter Region, including fireworks at Newcastle Foreshore, Maitland Riverbank, Hunter Valley Gardens and Toronto, degustation menus at top restaurants, and live performances from the likes of Katie Noonan and You Am I.
And, with 2020 on the horizon, "Roaring '20s" Great Gatsby-style events are a popular choice this year, with Babylon, Goldfish Bar, Sprout Dining, Honeysuckle Hotel, Basement On Market Street, and Customs House all hosting parties with the theme.
Here's a round up of events taking place on New Year's Eve around the region:
Newcastle Foreshore
After missing out on a fireworks display last year due to thunderstorms, Newcastle is finally set to light up again on New Year's Eve when celebrations are held along Newcastle Foreshore at Queen's Wharf and Market Lawn.
The family-friendly event will conclude with a fireworks display at 9pm, with hours of entertainment in the lead-up to the big finale including a free concert headlined by Aussie rock legends You Am I, who will be joined by JetsPlayJets (featuring original members of The Screaming Jets), soulful London-based electronica act Antony and Cleopatra, and Newcastle reggae rock band Rum Jungle.
Kicking off at 5pm, other attractions include the butterfly dome, which is a colourful and interactive zone designed for people of all ages, and the sensory zone, which will provide an inclusive and safe interactive experience tailored for those living with disability (bookings must be made in advance online at studiobliss.com/nye2019).
Market stalls curated by Hunt & Gather will be on site as well as an inflatable playground for kids to enjoy, and food trucks serving up everything from burgers to desserts.
Maitland
New Year's Eve celebrations will take place on the riverbank at The Levee in Maitland, both on the Lorn side and the Maitland side, with plenty to see and do before the fireworks display at 9pm.
Around 10,000 are expected to turn out for the event where a host of family-friendly attractions will be on offer, including amusement rides, face painting, stalls and live entertainment on the new riverfront stage.
There will also be a range of food stalls operating when the event kicks off at 5pm.
Entry is free.
Lake Macquarie
Wangi RSL Club will host a fireworks display at 9pm, with live music performed by The Leadbellies from 8.30pm. The club's bistro will be open for meals, or find a spot on the lawn overlooking the lake and pack a picnic. The event is always popular, so arrive early to secure a good position.
Those in Toronto will also be treated to fireworks this year, with Toronto Motor Yacht Club setting off crackers at 9pm. There will be live entertainment in the beer garden from 8.30pm and food available from the bistro. Toronto Hotel also hosts the Absolutely 80s concert featuring stars of Boom Crash Opera, Kids In The Kitchen, Uncanny X-Men and Models performing all of their hits (and there's a good view of the fireworks, too). Doors open 8.30pm and tickets cost $40.
Hunter Valley
If you are yet to brave the crowds in the lead up to Christmas to witness the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens, the display will also be operating on New Year's Eve, with the added inclusion of a fireworks display.
Highlights at this year's Christmas lights display, which is the largest in the southern hemisphere include the White Christmas scene, complete with snow cave and white topped trees, and an eight-metre tall Christmas tree, giant walk-through bauble, as well as the popular Princess Castle, Fairyland and Candyland. Other attractions include inflatable zones, jumping castles and rides.
The New Year's Eve fireworks display will be launched at 9pm.
Gates open at 5.30pm. Tickets to the night sessions cost $30 for adults and $25 for kids (free entry for kids under four).
Other events
Lizotte's Rumours, A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac, performs live. Show-only tickets $50; dinner and show tickets $125.
Restaurant Mason Six-course set menu with drink on arrival for $130 per person (optional wine match for an addition $65 per person).
Basement on Market Street Roaring '20s themed night for $59 per person, including unlimited canapés from 6pm to 9pm.
Sprout Dining at the Crown & Anchor Hotel Great Gatsby-themed event with live music from the Vanguard Players. Tickets $119 including canapés and drinks from 6pm to 10pm.
Nobbys SLSC Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations at Nobbys Beach with twilight beach games from 5pm followed by a sausage sizzle and nibbles (and a view of the fireworks). Drinks available to purchase at the bar. Tickets $10 per person available at the club on Sundays.
Lass O'Gowrie Hotel Two stages of live music, including a drink on arrival, kicking off at 5pm. Tickets $15 at cookedmemories.com.
Hamilton Station Hotel Sydney punk legends Hard-Ons headline a big New Year's Eve party from 7pm. Free entry.
Wickham Park Hotel '80s-themed night with live music from The Cassettes and TK Vibes from 7pm.
Harrigan's Irish Pub Pokolbin Live music from Pistol Pete and Viper Creek, plus fireworks display at midnight. Entry $10 if entering after 9pm.
Esca at Bimbadgen The "best of" six-course degustation, featuring the best dishes from the restaurant's 2019 seasonal menus. Includes drink on arrival. Tickets $140 or $170 with matched wines.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Live music from funk band Uptowns, food stalls and bars on-site from 6.30pm.
Entry is by donation for the Rural Fire Service.
Belmont 16s Free live music from Gen-X in the Star Lounge and Bobby C in The Boat Shed Bar from 8.30pm.
The Grain Store New Orleans-style party from 6pm with live music from The Rehab Brass Band. Entry is free or book a package for $59 which includes a Southern-style share plate and drink vouchers.
48 Watt Street Singer Katie Noonan performs at the event dubbed The Last Supper. Tickets include grazing tables, canapés, drinks and entertainment for $142.30; or show-only tickets $50.
The Stag and Hunter The Dashville Progress Society perform live. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost $35.
The Cambridge Hotel Badrapper, Lucille Croft, Made by Tsuki and local DJs, along with a secret headline act. Doors open at 8pm and tickets start at $20.
Argyle House The newly renovated venue has DJs on the decks all night. Tickets $20.
Swansea Workers Club Hawaiian-themed cocktails and karaoke night from 8.30pm.
Shoal Bay Country Club Festivities kick off at 2.30pm with live bands and DJs playing into the night. Entry is free.
Honeysuckle Hotel Roaring '20s theme party with live music and drinks and canapés package for $99, or $35 for general entry with drink on arrival.
The Grand Junction Hotel Live acts Shaun Kirk and Thunder Fox on the outdoor stage. Tickets $25.
Goldfish Bar Pokolbin Great Gatsby themed event with street food stalls, dessert bar and live music from 7pm. Tickets cost $80 which includes entry and dinner.
Customs House Four-course meal with drinks on arrival, live music from Soda and views of the fireworks on Newcastle Harbour. Starts at 6.30pm, tickets $90.
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