Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp has promised revellers the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration yet, with 14 tonnes of fireworks to brighten the city sky.
“We will welcome 2020 with a 10-minute fireworks display, using 22 city rooftops to entertain onlookers both in the CBD and outside the city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“If you can see the skyline then you’ll be able to see the midnight fireworks.
“Melbourne can expect a colourful display that will include more than 7,500 aerial shells and 36,000 rooftop effects.”
This year’s theme is Reach for the Stars, which is about encouraging everyone to set new goals for 2020. Around 400,000 revellers are expected to attend the celebrations.
“There will be Early Eve family events staged in Yarra Park, including a fireworks display at 9.30pm. This is a terrific option for families who don’t want to stay out late but want to be part of this spectacular celebration,” the Lord Mayor said.
Revellers coming for the midnight fireworks are encouraged to watch from one of the four Official Fireworks Celebration Zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain.
The celebration zones offer the best inner-city views of the midnight fireworks and are all accessible via City Loop stations. Public transport will be free.
A team of 85 pyrotechnicians from across Australia, New Zealand and Europe will use six shipping containers full of fireworks to bring the extravaganza to life. The midnight fireworks will be synchronised to a specially curated 10-minute soundtrack by Melbourne DJ MzRizk.
“We will be working with the Salvation Army to raise money during the event to support teams responding to bushfires across the country,” the Lord Mayor said.
“On this night of celebration, we know that many people are doing it tough from firefighters battling bushfires to communities dealing with the aftermath of the blazes.”
New Years’ Eve can be a busy time for firefighters and other emergency services and Metropolitan Fire Brigade Acting Chief Executive Officer/Chief Officer David Bruce is encouraging Victorians to put safety first over the festive season.
“Fireworks are fun to watch, but they can be extremely dangerous, unpredictable and volatile,” A/CEO/CO Bruce said.
“In warm conditions, a small fire started by fireworks can quickly escalate to become a significant threat to the community. Last summer our firefighters were called to extinguish 17 fires sparked by fireworks, risking lives and resulting in costly property damage.”
“Don’t risk your life on illegal fireworks, the few seconds of fun are just not worth it. Leave these displays to the experts and enjoy the many free and legal displays being held across the city.”
New Year’s Eve is expected to generate $8.6 million in economic impact for the municipality.
The City of Melbourne will invest $3.4 million on the event – which includes $235,000 on the fireworks themselves. The majority of the investment goes towards keeping Melburnians safe as they celebrate New Year’s Eve.
“Safety and security are the highest priorities of our planning for New Year’s Eve every year and for all of our other major events,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This year 525 security guards, 118 marshals and 22 area wardens will be employed for the celebrations. We will install 5.9 kilometres of fencing across the city, which is enough fencing to go around the MCG 12 times.”
The City of Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebration zones are alcohol-free and fines may apply for anyone who consumes alcohol in those areas.
Visit the City of Melbourne’s website for the full details and transport options.
