Last year’s NYE fireworks were a scaled back affair at midnight only.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
A leaked email from the City of Sydney to stakeholders,seen by theHerald,said the council will in effect copy last year’s NYE format and cancel the traditional 9pm fireworks,the “harbour of light parade” and the lord mayor’s picnic.
The midnight fireworks display will go ahead but will be “centred around Circular Quay and the inner harbour only”,while crowd arrangements are still being decided.
“This format will allow Sydney New Year’s Eve to remain resilient in the face of continuing uncertainty and help stakeholders,businesses and visitors formulate their plans,” wrote City of Sydney crowd and traffic manager Lauren Schwabe.
“We will continue to work with the NSW government to assess the impact of the pandemic on the event. The operational requirements of the event,including crowd densities and capacities,are still being determined,with multiple scenarios being developed.”
Circular Quay was locked down last year to prevent New Year’s Eve celebrations.Credit:Wolter Peeters
Last year the state government took over the NYE event and held a truncated midnight fireworks display. Crowds were not permitted at the foreshore,while a plan to allow frontline health workers to watch the fireworks was scrapped due to the Avalon COVID-19 outbreak.
The City of Sydney has resumed responsibility for this year’s event. A council spokesman confirmed the 9pm display would not occur.