Adelaide City Council moves annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display to Rymill Park

The free New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Elder Park has been scrapped – but you can still see fireworks in the city if you are prepared to pay.

Elder Park has been scrapped as the site of New Year’s Eve fireworks because of Covid restrictions, it has been confirmed – but you can still see fireworks if you are prepared to pay.

In a major shake-up of traditional NYE celebrations, Adelaide City Council has announced a new event, Light Up, will be held at Rymill Park, rather than Elder Park, with numbers capped at 5000.

The midnight fireworks display at Adelaide's Elder Park. Picture: David Brand

Elder Park fireworks were free. Under the new arrangements, Light Up tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for children aged over two and $35 for families.

The event will feature laser light and pyrotechnic displays at 9.30pm and midnight.

There will be other midnight laser light and firework displays in the East End, Peel St, Eleven on Waymouth St, Sparkke on Whitmore Square and Jerningham St, North Adelaide.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the council had to reshape its NYE celebrations following the cancellation of last year’s event at Elder Park because of Covid-19.

Tens of thousands have gathered on the banks of the River Torrens for NYE fireworks for decades.

Ms Verschoor said the council had tried to develop a program so there “truly is something for everyone in the city on New Year’s Eve”.

“Following last year’s cancellation, we had to find ways to adapt and spread the large crowds across multiple areas of the city and North Adelaide,” she said.

“I’m genuinely excited about what’s planned.”

The New Year’s Eve fireworks at Elder Park. Picture: Morgan Sette

Ms Verschoor said the new lighting and fireworks shows were “hybrid” events “as we adapt to more environmentally friendly initiatives to ring in the new year with a bang”.

“We are asking people to be prepared this year,” said Ms Verschoor. “Plan your night, book your tickets.”
UPark will be offering $4 flat rate parking for customers who pre book at selected UPark locations.

Light Up at Rymill Park would be presented by the co-directors of the Fringe venue, Gluttony – Elena Kirschbaum and Daniel Michael.

Mr Daniel said Gluttony was excited about Light Up.

“We’re looking forward to bringing together some of the artists, food vendors and bespoke bars everyone knows and loves from the Fringe in a fun, relaxing and enjoyable event for Adelaideans of all ages,” he said.