New Year's in the City

Editorial

It is exhilarating (and a little frightening) to think just how fast 2009 has flown by. But pry your mouth shut and get over your time whiplash because the end of a year means only one thing – it’s time to welcome 2010.

The countdown to the new year has officially begun and Canberra is ready to party! This year you can expect a huge New Year’s Eve celebration as two sites in Civic play host to a packed program of entertainment including a family concert in Civic Square, a dance party in Garema Place and two dazzling fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

Live bands on the main stage in Civic Square will kick off the evening at 7:00pm. After two hours of performances, at 9:00pm, prepare to be blown away (metaphorically speaking of course) by the first of two fireworks shows. The 9pm show will signal the imminent arrival of the new year as Civic lights up in bright colours for a bigger and better fireworks display than last year. With the anticipation riding high, top local DJs will take over at Garema Place and count down to midnight with the dance hits of 2009.

Finally, when the crowd has finished the official count-down Canberra will welcome the new year with a combination of fantastic fireworks and music. Both the Civic Square and Garema Place events are alcohol-free to encourage a safe and friendly atmosphere for families, however you are free to bring a picnic basket to keep your NYE energy up. ACTION Buses will operate on a weekday timetable, with the Nightrider service also available.

For further information visit phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81, email events@act.gov.au or visit http://www.events.act.gov.au/?/event/view/25.

Agnes Gajewska, December 2009