With more fireworks than ever, a series of innovative firsts and more firing locations, this New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour promises to be the biggest spectacular yet.
For the first time, and never used before in Australia, 4 aerial pyrotechnic platforms will feature in both the Calling Country and midnight displays. Hovering above the water between the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the platforms will combine to create various formations and launch around 600 pyrotechnic effects.
There will be more firing positions across the Harbour Bridge than ever – increasing to 264 from 184 last year – with 80 positions added to the western side for the first time. Innovative technology will enable drop comet fireworks to create patterns and shapes like a shark, fish and the word ‘Sydney’ that will fall from the Harbour Bridge in a waterfall effect.
The family from Foti International Fireworks has put more than 4,500 hours into preparing for the spectacular. With a legacy of firework-making that dates back to 1793, the pyrotechnic masters continue to innovate, promising exciting surprises for this year’s event.
“We’re always looking at how we can evolve our show and believe this will be one of the most innovative New Year’s Eve displays in the world,” said Fortunato Foti, director of Foti International Fireworks.
“Not only do we have more fireworks than ever before, we’re extremely excited to introduce the aerial platforms concept – the first time this has been done in Australian fireworks history.
“The introduction of 80 new positions on the bridge and an additional firing location on the western side has enabled us to extend the footprint of the display and offer people a better view of the fireworks. No matter where you are around the harbour, you’re in for a great show!” said Foti.
More than 9 tonnes of fireworks will be launched on the night from 16 locations linked by 80km of wiring and cables to 16 computers and 32 firing panels.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the team from Foti are spending 12 days in the lead up to New Year’s Eve setting up fireworks across all the locations. “It’s no wonder our New Year’s Eve display is regarded as one of the largest and most technologically advanced fireworks shows on earth,” said the Lord Mayor.
“Every year the Foti family works its magic to produce an event that continues to be bigger, brighter and more innovative and entertaining.”
Fortunato emphasised the importance of soundtracks in helping to enhance the displays and elevate the experience for audiences. “We spend weeks meticulously planning the displays to ensure they are perfectly synchronised with each show’s specially created soundtrack,” said Fortunato.
“We work through every segment of the soundtracks – the lyrics, the highs and lows of the music, the breaks and the crescendo – to ensure the display visually matches the mood and energy as perfectly as possible.”
The 9.00pm display will be accompanied by an 8-minute soundtrack called Our Greats created by producer, rapper and ARIA Award winner, Nooky, which features the voices of his daughters Olivia (7) and Calula Webster (6).
The 12-minute midnight display will be synchronised to an original soundtrack created by award-winning screen composer, Luna Pan. The 3-part soundtrack combines orchestral, techno house, reggae, lofi hip-hop, liquid drum and bass, and rock.
For those planning to stay at home, ABC TV will broadcast live from Sydney Harbour at 8:30pm – and the 9.00pm and midnight fireworks will be live streamed on the official website and on ABC iview.
The City of Sydney strongly encourages people to plan for New Year’s Eve. For more information about vantage points, managed entry points, accessibility, transport, programming are all available at: www.sydneynewyearseve.com for details.
Image: Sydney Harbour North Shore – photo by Morris McLennan | City of Sydney