Melburnians are encouraged to don their sequins and glitter, as the city sparkles for the annual New Year’s Eve spectacular.
The City of Melbourne will host a massive city-wide midnight celebration with a special ‘All that sparkles’ theme – featuring a fireworks and laser extravaganza that will light up the city across 27 CBD rooftops.
Viewable from anywhere the city skyline can be seen – or from one of four Celebration Zones in the CBD – the midnight moment will be accompanied by a choreographed eight-minute soundtrack curated by Melbourne based producer DJ Matt Radovich.
Family-friendly Celebration Zones will return to Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain, with a range of free activities including live music, food trucks, dance workshops and DJ’s. Young families and early birds can also enjoy a 9.30pm localised fireworks display.
Melbourne’s biggest entertainment venues will help bring the city to life with a Heaps Good live music festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and a special Arts Centre Melbourne gala concert courtesy of John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra.
For the first time, Melbourne’s iconic buildings and streets will be drenched in sparkles for the occasion – with trees across the city lit up, glittery projections across Town Hall and the State Library, late-night busking performances and free sparkly New Year’s Eve hats available at Celebration Zones.
New Year’s Eve revellers can also savor the celebrations at renowned city hospitality venues, with events taking place at Arbory Bar & Eatery, Afloat, HER, Marvel Stadium, Blossom Rooftop and many more.
Those ringing in the New Year at home can tune in to the official New Year’s Eve live broadcast, with Nine News showcasing all the highlights of the evening from 11pm.
Half a million people are expected to come into the city on New Year’s Eve and safety remains the number one priority. A detailed safety plan will be implemented in partnership with Victoria Police and emergency service providers.
Revellers are encouraged to book into a venue or attend a Celebration Zone. Road closures are planned to safely accommodate large crowds. Detailed information on changes to traffic, pedestrian access and parking will be available on the City of Melbourne website in early December.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city are supported by the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
“Melbourne is rolling out the sparkling red carpet for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
“We’re setting the tone for the evening with our ‘All that sparkles’ theme. For the first time we’re lighting up Town Hall and the State Library with glittering projections, extending the New Year’s Eve festivities all the way down Swanston Street.
“We can’t wait to see merrymakers show off their finest glittering outfits, dusting off their disco balls and filling our world-class hospitality venues for the best night of the year.
“The best of our city will be on full display – with spectacular live music events, free family-friendly activities, sparkling projections and our not-to-be-missed fireworks and laser show.
“If you can see the city skyline, you’ll be able to marvel at our incredible fireworks and laser show – so wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, you won’t miss out on the fun.”
City Activation portfolio lead Roshena Campbell said New Year’s Eve is Melbourne’s time to shine – with half a million of revellers expected to fill our streets and support city businesses.
“As Victorians flock to the city to celebrate, New Year’s Eve is the biggest night of the year for our hospitality venues. More than $18.7 million was pumped into the local economy during the 2022 celebrations alone.”
HQ Group Chief Marketing Officer Georgie Larkins said New Year’s Eve at Afloat is the biggest and most colourful event of their summer season.
“It’s the one time of year that our two riverside venues – Arbory Bar & Eatery and Afloat – join forces for one epic party along the Yarra. A colourful night of delicious good and drink, dancing and music, there’s no better place to say goodbye to the year that was.
“We’re excited to see the City of Melbourne come to life for another sparkling New Year’s Eve.”
