COVID-19 claims another scalp with Glenelg and Brighton fireworks canned
It’s one of the biggest events on the South Australian calendar, but COVID-19 has caused the cancellation of the Glenelg New Year’s Eve celebration attended by thousands.
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Tens of thousands of South Australians will not be heading to Glenelg to ring in 2021 with fireworks on New Year’s Eve as COVID-19 causes the popular event’s cancellation.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said the council was unable to organise a celebration with live music and entertainment, as has been enjoyed by thousands of people in previous years.
She said, while the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks at Glenelg and Brighton would not be going ahead this year, local restaurants, bars and cafes would still be open for business.
Ms Wilson said the council did everything it could have to run the events.
“We tried to find ways to make it work, by seeing if we could spread the fireworks down the coast, or if we could ticket the event, but unfortunately we just couldn’t guarantee that we could make it safe,” she said.
Ms Wilson said while it was disappointing, the decisions were made with community safety in mind and after detailed and productive discussions with SA Health and SA Police.
“The large scale and open nature of the events, which traditionally attract more than 60,000
people, mean we can’t meet SA Health’s requirements around crowd density, social distancing and contact tracing,” she said.
With the attractions usually costing the council about $250,000, it was also important the call was made early prior to booking in everything needed to run the event.
“Everybody is starting to plan what they’re doing for New Year’s and we needed to make the call about getting the infrastructure, the extra toilets, security and lighting,” Ms Wilson said.
“Although there are no fireworks this year, the wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs across Holdfast Bay will still be open and will be a very popular option for New Year’s Eve.
“We encourage people to support local and make their New Year’s Eve plans early. We’re really encouraging people to book and not just turn up.”
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