Happy New Year at the Darwin Waterfront for Territorians hoping to forget the year that was 2020

THOUSANDS said goodbye to the COVID-19 ravaged 2020 the best way they knew how – singing, dancing and enjoying a well deserved drink

Darwin's Waterfront puts on a firework display to celebrate the end of 2020. Picture: Che Chorley

THOUSANDS said goodbye to the COVID-19 ravaged year that was 2020 the best way they knew how.

Children jumped for joy on the playground, teens swayed to the live music and parents and adults enjoyed a well deserved drink.

All enjoyed the freedom from the tight squeeze the pandemic has put on other jurisdictions in recent weeks.

Simon McKinley said this year’s celebrations were one of the most important ever, given the year the NT had and he was glad to leave it behind.

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“If you were healthy and employed in 2020, I think you did better than most,” he said.

“In one word it was shithouse … always happy to see the end of it but looking at NSW we might be in for a little more.

“For 2021 you just want your family to be healthy, that’s the main thing.”

Darien Blair and Kiara Baker decided to celebrate the new year by making the trek into Darwin from Marrakai and Acacia Hills respectively. Picture: Che Chorley

But being such a heavy year meant people were willing to go further to celebrate, such as Marrakai resident Darien Blair who spent his first New Year’s at the Waterfront.

“It had goods and bads, mainly bads. We came in to say goodbye to it, get rid of it,” he said. “We want 2021 to be a bit more relaxed.”

With Paw Patrol entertaining the kids and Tones and I and Sheppard bringing some first class music to the crowd, Raksha Chalise said Darwin would be the best place to welcome in the new year.

Diya Binadi, 9, Avya Binadi, 4, Raksha Chalise, Pratisha Dewan and Sulav Dhakal think Darwin was the best place to ring in the new year. Picture: Che Chorley

“It’s good to be able to farewell the year in such a good way, not all the states are able to get out and enjoy the fireworks so we’re lucky that in the NT we can mingle with people and have a concert and fireworks,” she said.

“It’s been tough, a lot of people have lost jobs but now it’s a good time to relax and look forward to 2021 and hopefully we won’t have any COVID and everything will be good.”

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After the entertainment many hit the venues across Darwin to ring in the New Year, with Mitchell St bustling the most it has since pandemic restrictions were lifted six months ago.

But for many, welcoming the New Year at the Waterfront surrounded by family, friends and those closest was the best way to celebrate.