Sydney NYE fireworks 2020: everything you need to know
New Year’s Eve 2020 is just three months away and while public areas around Sydney Harbour will be shut, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the iconic fireworks. Here’s everything you need to know.
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They are the “armchair fireworks”, only 10 minutes long to deter people from coming into Sydney’s CBD.
The NSW government has revealed the New Year’s Eve fireworks display at midnight will last no longer than 10 minutes, with public areas around the harbour to be shut off.
Private venues including restaurants and office buildings will be allowed to host ticketed, COVID-safe events with special health rules to be considered to keep people away.
Councils will be encouraged to hold ticketed events for frontline workers with plans for a concert to be broadcast, possibly from the Opera House.
The government is also investigating using fireworks that can be shot higher into the air so they can be seen by more people from their homes.
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Spreading firework barges down the harbour towards Parramatta is another idea being considered to ensure the spectacular light display can be viewed by more Sydneysiders.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “The fireworks on New Year’s Eve will be very different this year in line with the health advice.
“It will be a shorter, toned down event that most of us will probably watch from home on TV.
“But we also want the fireworks to be a symbol of hope for NSW and the rest of the world and a tribute to all the frontline workers who have kept us safe.”
A special theme for this year’s event is also on the cards which will acknowledge how difficult 2020 has been, along with a special message.
The children’s 9pm fireworks have been scrapped.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the fireworks, to be seen on screens globally by about one billion people, will be a symbol of “optimism and hope for 2021”.
NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the NYE display will send a message to the world that “COVID won’t beat us”.
“We now have the time to plan this event alongside Council, Police and Health,” Mr Ayres said.
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City of Sydney council struck an agreement with Mr Ayres on Thursday allowing the state government to manage this year’s event.
In a statement, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres has assured me that the State Government will take full responsibility for preparations and funding of the fireworks, crowd management, safety, traffic and transport, and is prepared to cancel the event if there is a spike in COVID cases.”
Originally published as Sydney NYE fireworks 2020: everything you need to know