Sydney New Year's Eve
Sydney New Year's Eve is an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia. Centring on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and surrounding Port Jackson, its main events are two pyrotechnic displays: the 9 pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks, both of which are televised nationally with the more popular Midnight Fireworks televised globally.
Synchronised to a soundtrack of popular music from past and present, the fireworks explode off the arches, catwalk and roadway of the Harbour Bridge, including the Opera House, nearby city buildings and up to eight barges evenly divided on both sides of the bridge. Each year a new theme is chosen and is regularly viewed by more than one million people surrounding the harbour and one billion worldwide for the Midnight Fireworks. For the 2010/11 event, an audience of 1.5 million watched the display from the local harbour and a reported 1.1 billion globally, though independent support for that claim is lacking.
The event was first televised on 31 December 1995. The 9 pm Family Fireworks were originally the main show lasting around twenty minutes, with the Midnight Fireworks only lasting around three and featuring only the Sydney Tower. From 1999 onwards the Midnight Fireworks became the main event of the two. The 1998 Midnight Fireworks had a length of ten minutes and were increased to twenty-five the following year. In NYE 2000 the fireworks went for fifteen minutes. From NYE 2005 to present the Midnight Fireworks have run for twelve minutes in reference to the twelve months of the year.
The City of Sydney Council is the official presenter of the event.
History
Origins
In 1976, the Sydney Committee decided to reconstitute a failing Waratah Festival as the Festival of Sydney. At the first meeting of its Programme Committee, they agreed that New Year's Eve should launch the new festival, a 'big bang affair'. Focusing on the harbour and adjacent areas, it would include a sail-past of decorated craft, music, and a 'spectacular fireworks display at midnight'. With this, the Festival of Sydney made New Year's Eve official for the first time. Stephen Hall was its Executive Director from 1977–1994. The 1979/80 brochure for the Festival featured an image of the fireworks over the Sydney Opera House and the slogan "Get into the '80s with a bang".Inspiration to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a launchpad for fireworks came from the use of fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 1983.
Syd Howard, pyrotechnician, used his inspiration and the chances given to him to put fireworks displays on Sydney Harbour to use the bridge as a launchpad for fireworks. His first opportunity was in 1986 for the 75th Anniversary Review of the Royal Australian Navy. Here he introduced the "waterfall" effect as well as a pyrotechnic message on the bridge. The message read "NSW salutes Royal Australian Navy" and employed thousands of cigarette-style fireworks to create the lettering. It hung over the side of the pedestrian walkway.
From NYE 1996 to NYE 1999, management of the event was contracted out to Ric Birch's Spectak Productions. Birch, known for his work on numerous Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies brought with him former Jimmy and the Boys front man Ignatius Jones as Creative Director and Catriona Brown as Senior Producer.
1996–1998
The original Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display was designed by Syd Howard Fireworks. The event used the pylons, arch and catwalk of the bridge, city buildings and one barge located in front of the Sydney Opera House. There was a ten-second pyrotechnic countdown. Each second, one shooting comet shot off a different building starting from North Sydney and finishing at AMP Tower to form an Olympic Torch to welcome in 1997.For NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks included the Star City Casino. The AMP Tower turned into a ticking clock with shooting comets slowly rotating around the top of the tower. The soundtrack for the countdown was a ticking clock before a bell toll rang in 1999. This bell toll also turned AMP Tower into an Olympic Torch. Also, from NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks were extended to include the Harbour Bridge, the 9 pm Family Fireworks were extended to include two barges and the displays were co-designed by Foti International Fireworks and Syd Howard Fireworks.
1999–2002
On NYE 1999 the Apollo 11 countdown, as well as air raid sirens provided the soundtrack for the countdown. A smiley face was visible on the bridge during the show, until the finale revealed the word "Eternity" in Copperplate writing, in honour of Arthur Stace. Fireworks were also launched from the Centrepoint Tower. A rather unusual feature of the 1999 display was a selection of tugboats that made their way through the harbour, each one carrying a colourful, brightly lit model of a particular sea creature. The Fireworks Soundtrack included a five-minute "History Of Pop" featuring hits from the 1890s to the 1990s.Since NYE 2000, the displays have been fully designed and created by Foti International Fireworks. During NYE 2000, a larger than life birthday cake was unveiled well before midnight to celebrate 100 years of Australia as a nation. It was placed in front of the northern forecourt of the Opera House on a pontoon. At midnight, the cake lit up with a chasing lighting effect running from the bottom of the cake to the top. A Federation Star representing 100 years since the federation of Australia appeared on the bridge during the finale.
On NYE 2001, A dove of peace slowly came into view to speak peace to the world after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York. On NYE 2002, the city buildings were removed from the fireworks displays. The 9 pm family fireworks had to be cancelled due to high winds of. Those fireworks were then rescheduled to Australia Day, but were cancelled again, this time due to a total fire ban. An animated dove appeared on the bridge during the finale.
After six years as creative director, Ignatius Jones stepped down in 2002 to be replaced by former Melbourne and Sydney Festival artistic director Leo Schofield. Ken Wilby moved on the following year with the event's production manager Ed Wilkinson elevated to the producer role from 2003 to 2005.
2003–2006
On NYE 2003, a fifteen-second countdown was accompanied with the striking of a gong at midnight. For the first time, fireworks were launched off the vertical hangers of the bridge in a one-off display. From NYE 2004, the first 3D bridge effect was used. Also in that year, the fireworks display was viewed as a disco with pop music and a disco ball suspended from the bridge.On NYE 2005, a beating heart was the icon on the bridge that appeared after the 9 pm fireworks display. The fireworks themselves during the show exploded in Heart shapes. Former Sydney Theatre Company head Wayne Harrison joined Katrina Marton in taking over leadership of the event as Creative Director and Producer respectively for the events from 2005–2007.
NYE 2006 saw the four barges feature for the 9 pm Family Fireworks while six barges feature with the city buildings return in the Midnight Fireworks and in addition, it had a ten-second countdown projected on the pylons starting with the logo for Network Ten. A question mark was shown in the nights leading up to the celebrations, which also doubled up as the curved end of the coat hanger.
2007–2009
In NYE 2007, the bridge acted as a seventh barge for the first time shooting fireworks throughout the show instead of just during the beginning and finale.In NYE 2008, the bridge, seven city buildings and six barges staged in the biggest fireworks display yet, increasing from $4 million worth of fireworks to $5 million. Brenton Kewley, who had worked on the event since 1996 in various roles, including Art Director and Associate Producer took over as Producer for the 2008 and 2009 events while journalist and broadcaster Rhoda Roberts took over from Wayne Harrison in 2008.
During NYE 2009, the countdown started with messages projected on the pylons. The pyrotechnic countdown was started by launching an exploding mine on a barge in front of the bridge. For the first time, microchip fireworks were used in the show which lasted longer in the sky and were more accurate when synchronised with music. The show consisted of $5 million worth of fireworks running for twelve minutes. A Yin Yang symbol appeared on the bridge during the finale. Once again, more fireworks exploded on the bridge throughout the entire show when compared with previous NYE displays.
2010–2014
In NYE 2010, the creative direction was still Rhoda Roberts. The theme was "Make Your Mark", reflecting on the decade gone and the lasting impressions left by our actions; as well as reflecting on ways in which all people can make their mark by contributing to a better future. For the very first time the bridge effect was multi-layered, which included more than ten signs and symbols.In NYE 2011, the creative director was Imagination Australia, which promoted Marc Newson as creative spokesperson. The theme was "Time to Dream". The display, for the very first time, was choreographed to an all-Australian soundtrack created by music production house s:amplify which included original composition. This marks the first year, a ninety-second countdown was featured on the bridge effect.
On NYE 2012, the logo featured a swirl of coloured sails in magenta, yellow, purple and red, and marked with Kylie Minogue's signature "K". The show included new effects such as bees, koalas and octopus shells. A ten-second countdown accompanied by comets launched from jet skis before midnight. The show's budget has increased from $6.3 million to $6.6 million. Kylie Minogue was appointed as creative ambassador for the 2012 celebrations. Kylie worked alongside s:amplify to create the soundtrack including an exclusive remix created for the finale.
On NYE 2013, fireworks launched from the Opera House celebrating its 40th anniversary in the midnight fireworks and once again, city buildings were removed from the 9 pm and midnight fireworks. The bridge effect was also twice as big than in previous years and used new LED technology. Reg Mombassa was creative ambassador for 2013/14. This marks the second year a numerical countdown was featured on the bridge effect.
The theme for the 2014/15 edition was "Inspire"; the budget was reported to have increased from $6.8 million to $7.2 million, and Australian actor Jack Thompson was named the "creative ambassador" for the show. As part of the theme, viewers were encouraged to post messages on Twitter using the hashtag "#SydNYE" for a chance to have them projected on the bridge pylons, while there was also a third, short fireworks show between the family and midnight shows known as the "inspire moment". The bridge effect was a stylised lightbulb, in honour of the United Nations' declaration of 2015 as the International Year of Light. In the aftermath of the Lindt Cafe siege, the message "Sydney remembers" was also occasionally projected on the pylons.
2015–2019
The 2015/16 theme was "City of Colour". For the first time, a welcome to country ceremony was held at sundown prior to the 9 pm show, to acknowledge the harbour as territory of the Cadigal, Gamaragal, and Wangal bands of the Eora people. The new segment was designed to be "inclusive and fun" and leverage technology: it included projections of aboriginal imagery on the pylons, as well as lighting and pyrotechnic effects on the bridge that were inspired by the Australian Aboriginal Flag. For the first time since the practice was introduced, organisers eschewed the lit symbols that had been used as bridge effects, in favour of constructing a larger array of lighting effects utilising the entire bridge.The NYE 2016 theme was "Welcome to SydNYE"; co-producer Catherine Flanagan explained that the theme was about "welcoming everybody to this magical place", with a particular focus on tourists who travel to Sydney for the fireworks. A papercraft sculpture of the Sydney skyline by artist Benja Harney was used as a visual motif across the entirety of the event. The welcome to country ceremony added a smoking ceremony conducted by the Tribal Warrior and Mari Nawi boats. Tributes to the musicians Prince and David Bowie were featured during the family and midnight shows respectively, inspired by their songs "Purple Rain" and "Space Oddity". The midnight show also featured a segment that paid tribute to actor Gene Wilder, with candy-shaped firecrackers in a reference to his portrayal of Willy Wonka.
NYE 2017 edition featured a total of eight tonnes of pyrotechnics, and a rainbow flag-coloured waterfall effect to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of Sydney Mardi Gras, and the 9 December 2017 legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia. The welcome to country ceremony included a special message from the Muwekma Ohlone community of northern California, in honour of the 50th anniversary of Sydney's sister city relationship with San Francisco.
The theme for 2018/19 was "The Pulse of Sydney", reflected by new pyrotechnic effects that " in dramatic new shapes", and colour effects that " across the display rather than the traditional explosion from the centre of the firework". The show used 8.5 tonnes of pyrotechnics, and also contained a segment paying tribute to American singer Aretha Franklin.
2020–present
Ahead of the 2019/20 edition, organisers unveiled a new visual identity and branding for the event designed by Garbett Design.There were calls to cancel the fireworks due to the extreme bushfires across the country, with a petition proposing for their budget to be reallocated to disaster relief purposes. The fires had prompted cancellations and postponements of fireworks celebrations in other areas. The city of Sydney stated that the fireworks would go on as scheduled, but that "if a total fire ban is declared, we will continue to liaise with NSW Government agencies and the NSW Rural Fire Service to determine the safest way to proceed with the event". Fireworks director Fortunato Foti will also be consulted in the event of high winds. The Rural Fire Service, which granted an exemption to the fire ban for the show, stated that it did not expect "catastrophic" conditions to return on New Year's Eve. Highs of 40 °C were forecast for western Sydney, and special air quality statements were issued in relation to the event.
Sydney officials stated that it would be infeasible to cancel the show, as it would be disruptive to tourists and local business, much of the budget had already been utilised, and that there would be "little practical benefit for affected communities". The event's head of audience Tanya Goldberg echoed these statements, and added that an Australian Red Cross charity appeal would be promoted throughout. Goldberg explained that "the one thing that will help those communities is to go ahead with the event and leverage the power of it to drive people to donate".
Bridge effect
Central to the firework displays each year since 1999 is the lighting display on the Harbour Bridge known as the "bridge effect". Made of rope light attached to a panel and truss system, the display showcases a variety of symbols and other images related to the current year's theme.In recent times, the bridge has included a rope light display on a framework in the centre of the eastern arch, which is used to complement the fireworks. As the scaffolding and framework are clearly visible for some weeks before the event, revealing the outline of the design, there is much speculation as to how the effect is to be realised. The bridge effect has been designed by Brian Thomson since 2006, with the lighting designed by Mark Hammer since 2008. Since 2015, the current lighting designer is Ziggy Ziegler.
| Year | Theme | Effect |
| 1996/97 | "Masquerade" | Sydney AMP Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks |
| 1997/98 | N/A | Smiley face |
| 1998/99 | N/A | N/A |
| 1999–2000 | "Sydney's Millennium" | "Eternity" in copperplate writing and a smiley face |
| 2000/01 | "100 Years as a Nation, Millions of Years as a Land" | Rainbow Serpent and a Federation Star |
| 2001/02 | "Of Beauty Rich and Rare: Australia – The Land" | Uluru, and the Southern Cross |
| 2002/03 | "The World’s Celebration in Union" | Dove of Peace and the word "PEACE" |
| 2003/04 | "City of Light" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 2004/05 | "Reflections on Australiana" | Disco ball |
| 2005/06 | "Heart of the Harbour" | Three concentric hearts |
| 2006/07 | "" | Coathanger and a diamond |
| 2007/08 | "The Time of Our Lives" | Mandala and an hourglass |
| 2008/09 | "Creation" | Sun |
| 2009/10 | "Awaken the Spirit" | Yin and yang symbol, blue moon and a ring of fire |
| 2010/11 | "Make Your Mark" | X mark, Target and hand print |
| 2011/12 | "Time to Dream" | Thought bubble and Endless rainbow |
| 2012/13 | "Embrace" | Butterfly and lip |
| 2013/14 | "Shine" | Eye |
| 2014/15 | "Inspire" | Light bulb |
| 2015/16 | "City of Colour" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 2016/17 | "Welcome to SydNYE" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 2017/18 | "Wonder" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 2018/19 | "Pulse of Sydney" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 2019/20 | "N/A" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge |
"Waterfall" effect
A continual stream of fireworks falling from the base of the bridge down to actually touch the water. The waterfall comprises approximately 1,100 candle fireworks. Each year, it has been a traditional golden waterfall.Some years the waterfall effect has been changed such as on NYE 2000 when the waterfall changed colours from gold to silver. NYE 2000 was also unique in that fireworks were also fired for the first time from the gantry of the bridge.
NYE 2002 had a "strobing angelic" waterfall effect where 144 Roman candles released mines and stars that "twinkled". This effect was repeated on NYE 2005 where it changed colour from red to white and also on NYE 2006 where it was coloured only green.
NYE 2004 had the traditional golden waterfall effect except that it slowed crossed the bridge from south to north. This was a difficult set up due to the arch's access but a first of its kind on the bridge with a spectacular "torrent style" waterfall effect.
On NYE 2017, a rainbow waterfall cascaded from the harbour bridge during the midnight show, celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia.
The years where the traditional golden waterfall effect has not been featured completely are; NYE 2000, NYE 2002, NYE 2005, and NYE 2006.
The golden waterfall was to be used again on NYE 2018, however, it failed to ignite as programmed.
The waterfall was successfully used the following year on NYE 2019 to welcome in 2020.
"Birthday cake" effect
Originally fired for the Australia Day Bicenntenial Celebrations in 1988, the effect has been used to close the fireworks display with its loudness and brightness. The effect comprises 200 long-burning comets shooting out balls of fire 250 feet into the sky, with a silver star effect at the end fired off the top of the bridge, simulating a big birthday cake with 200 lit candles. This effect has closed every Sydney New Year's Eve between NYE 1996 and NYE 1998. It was used in the finale of the NYE 1999 celebrations. The effect has not been used in Sydney New Year's Eve since NYE 1999.Broadcast
From 1996–2006, the rights to the television broadcast were held by the Nine Network with Richard Wilkins as a host for almost every year. From 2006–2009, Network Ten was broadcaster after winning a three-year deal from Nine. In 2009, Nine regained the rights back from Ten until 2013. ABC, ABC HD and ABC Australia had the rights since 2013.The City of Sydney put its Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks coverage to tender following the conclusion of ABC's two-year contract, with the broadcaster having continued as broadcaster since. The 2015 fireworks were the first to utilise drone-mounted cameras for additional angles, and since 2016, an official international webcast has been streamed on platforms such as Facebook.
| Year | Broadcaster | Host |
| 1996/97 | Nine Network | Richard Wilkins Catriona Rowntree |
| 1997/98 1998/99 | Nine Network | Richard Wilkins Hugh Jackman |
| 1999/2000 | Nine Network | Eddie McGuire |
| 2000/01 | Nine Network | Richard Wilkins |
| 2001/02 | Nine Network | Richard Wilkins Vince Sorrenti |
| 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 | Nine Network | Richard Wilkins |
| 2006/07 | Network 10 | Gretel Killeen Daniel MacPherson |
| 2007/08 2008/09 | Network 10 | Kim Watkins Andrew Günsberg |
| 2009/10 | Nine Network | Leila McKinnon Cameron Williams |
| 2010/11 | Nine Network | Alicia Gorey Michael Usher |
| 2011/12 | Nine Network | Jesinta Campbell Cameron Williams Jaynie Seal |
| 2012/13 | Nine Network | Catriona Rowntree Jason Dundas |
| 2013/14 | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | Lawrence Mooney Stephanie Brantz |
| 2014/15 | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | Julia Zemiro Toby Truslove |
| 2015/16 | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | Eddie Perfect Ella Hooper |
| 2016/17 | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | Jeremy Fernandez Ella Hooper |
| 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | Charlie Pickering Zan Rowe |
| - | ABC ABC HD ABC Australia | - |