'Quiet' NYE for Warwick

NO FIREWORKS will paint the sky over Warwick this NYE and Queens Park will be left in silent darkness due to changes in the Southern Downs events calendar.

NO FIREWORKS will paint the sky over Warwick this New Year's Eve and Queens Park will be left in silent darkness due to changes in the Southern Downs events calendar.

The traditional family new year's event will not be taking place, with celebrations in Allora and a ute muster in Yangan being held instead.

CEO of Warwick Tourism and Events Tracy Vellacott said there were a number of reasons for the changes, which she conceded could cause disappointment.

"We would like to draw attention to the smaller communities on the outskirts of Warwick," Mrs Vellacott said.

She said December and January were also very busy times on the Southern Downs region calendar, with the two months playing host to the biggest Warwick events, the Christmas carols and Australia Day. Sunday night's Christmas carols alone attracted more than 3000 people.

"We found last year the washout of the New Year's Eve event had some positive points as Australia Day became more of a community event than it ever was, with around 1200 more people attending compared to the usual breakfast celebration," Mrs Vellacott said.

She alsos said community groups such as Lions and Rotary were extremely busy this time of year.

"A lack of new volunteers makes it hard for these groups in the silly season," she said.

This year if you are after a night sky show you will have to travel further afield, with entertainment and fireworks at the Allora Showgrounds from 5pm on NYE.

The Ute Muster and Bull Ride at the Yangan Sports Oval is from 5.30pm and also features Erin Hilton.

Originally published as 'Quiet' NYE for Warwick