City of Newcastle ignites anticipation ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations

City of Newcastle is getting fired up to farewell 2023, with more than 30,000 people expected to converge on Newcastle’s Queens Wharf precinct for the family-friendly event.

Fire dancers along the Foreshore and formation flying overhead will add plenty of spark to the annual end-of-year festivities, which will culminate in a ramped-up fireworks display at 9pm.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the inclusive New Year Eve event would allow the whole community to come together and celebrate, with activities spread across Queens Wharf, Market Street Lawn and The Station.

“After another busy 12 months for Newcastle, our community deserves an opportunity to join together to celebrate everything we've achieved, and everything we're looking forward to in 2024,” Cr Nelmes said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said CN's inclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations will offer something for all ages and abilities.

"There will be a mix of carnival rides, amusements and inflatables to keep the youngest members of the family happy, while our popular sensory zone will provide a safe and inviting space for people with disability and their families to enjoy the event," Cr Clausen said.

“There will also be a strong Indigenous theme throughout the event, with our celebrations getting underway at 4pm with a traditional smoking ceremony followed by demonstrations of tool making, Aboriginal dancers, face painting and areas for children to learn how to make traditional baskets.”

World famous pilot Paul Bennet and his team are back for the second straight year to defy gravity and physics, putting on spectacular aerial displays at 6.30pm and 7.30pm involving both solo and formation manoeuvres.

A self-guided art walk will be set up along the Foreshore featuring installations and sculpture by students from the University of Newcastle, while a host of mouth-watering food vendors, market stalls, three pop-up DJ stations and fire dancing displays will provide plenty of things to see and do.

A spectacular fireworks display will cap off the night at 9pm, with the launch zone moved to Dyke Point this year to provide improved visibility for the crowds.

Additional public transport services are also being scheduled for New Year’s Eve to help people move to and from the event.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/event/new-year-s-eve-2023