Article by Joe Spagnolo courtesy of The West Australian.
Lord Mayor bucks Aus Day tradition & backs in ‘go-to’ NYE fireworks.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is promising the “biggest” New Year’s Eve fireworks show Perth has seen since it celebrated bringing in the year of the Sydney Olympics.
“We’re set for the biggest New Year’s Eve in the City of Perth since the start of this new century back in the year 2000,” Mr Zempilas said last night.
“And much of the action centres around the Elizabeth Quay 8pm fireworks.”
Unlike Sydney, fireworks have not been a typically big thing in Perth on New Year’s Eve — a dazzling display saved for Australia Day.
But two years ago, the City of Perth decided that in addition to Australia Day, there should also be a light and fireworks display, and a festival in the CBD, as part of a summer events calendar.
“It’s quickly become the biggest new year’s event in Perth,” Mr Zempilas said.
“This is just the second year, but already it’s become the go-to celebration for families because it’s so convenient and so accessible. And it’s free.
“The whole idea was to have a family-friendly event in central Perth that people of all ages can enjoy together, and especially those with young kids.
“So, the 8pm fireworks by the water at Elizabeth Quay — in a location that’s easy to get to and with lots to do — has worked incredibly well.”
The Elizabeth Quay fireworks display will involve thousands of pyrotechnic devices. “This year’s (fireworks) show features 10,000 shells fired off three barges, it runs for 15 minutes and is choreographed to music.” Mr Zempilas said. “It’s the biggest family-friendly New Year’s Eve show Perth has ever seen.
“The entertainment begins at 5pm and the very popular Elizabeth Quay fun fair goes until late. It’s already a Perth tradition, and this year — now that the early New Year’s Eve fireworks at Elizabeth Quay is established — we’re expecting a huge crowd. The City of Perth is very proud to be able to host this special celebration and we’re very grateful for the support of Roy Hill to help us make it all possible.”
A short midnight show will help revellers greet the new year.
“For those seeing in the new year in the more traditional way, the city and Northbridge party crowd will be able to enjoy fireworks at midnight fired off four CBD buildings. Yagan Square, Northbridge Piazza and James Street are the best viewing locations,” Mr Zempilas said.
“And if you’re keen to dance away the new year and keep going into 2024, the Freedom Time dance party is on at Supreme Court Gardens.”
The fireworks spectacular is one part of a series of big events planned to ring in the new year.
On New Year’s Eve, Crown Perth will host the opening night of & Juliet, a new hit musical with a fresh take on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, while SNACK Festival is expected to welcome a 30,000 strong crowd to Claremont Showground.
Those willing to back it up on New Year’s Day can head to the races at Ascot Racecourse for the Perth Cup, or live it up at Casa Costa NYD, a deluxe five-hour, Italian-themed offering at The Rowing Pavilion in Mt Pleasant.
Mr Zempilas said there had been a concerted effort by the City of Perth to bring people back to the CBD.
“Our city has its crown back as the place to celebrate Christmas and the big holiday events.” he said. “I’ve had so many people contact me and say there’s a huge buzz back in the city, and on behalf of our team, I couldn’t be prouder. We have done exactly what we said we would do.”
Mr Zempilas said people were supporting the December events.
“Last week the Elizabeth Quay fun fair was up 25 per cent on the same week last year and the annual Carols in the Park at Supreme Court Gardens on the Saturday before Christmas doubled in crowd size from the year before,” he said. “Our retailers have reported very strong December trade, and that’s on the back of a 25 per cent increase in November trade – worth $350 million in direct economic impact.”
Transperth will offer additional free services to get revellers into the city and then home again.
Today, trains and buses will operate on a Sunday timetable with extra services on selected routes before and after midnight. After midnight, trains on all lines will leave Perth about every 15 minutes with reduced frequency after 2.45am. North of Perth, at Mindarie Marina, there will also be a fireworks display at 8.30pm.
“It will be a beautiful night down at the Mindarie Marina to enjoy the fireworks,” Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said. “It’s a family event.”
In Stirling, Mayor Mark Irwin said the iconic Scarborough Beach precinct was the place to be.
“Scarborough is always a highlight. When the sun is shining and there is this beautiful water, where else would you be at new year’s,” Mr Irwin said. In Mandurah, there will be a fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight on the Peel-Harvey Estuary.
The best vantage points will be the Eastern foreshore, Stingray Point, the Henry Sutton Grove, and Mandurah Bridge pedestrian walkway.
“The City of Mandurah’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are a great opportunity for family and friends to come together to bring in the new year,” Mayor Rhys Williams said.
“We’ll have two spectacular fireworks displays over Mandurah’s waterways, plus a range of family activities.”
The Perth Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a top of 31C for the last day of 2023.
When the Elizabeth Quay fireworks begin at 8pm, the temperature should have dropped down to about 26C, and 18C once the clock ticks past midnight.
