This year has seen a lot of cancellations and changes thanks to COVID-19. Most recently, it was announced that Sydney Mardi Gras will be returning in 2021 (yay) but it won’t be held on Oxford Street (not yay). Instead, the iconic festival is moving to the SCG. But what about NYE 2020?
What’s the go with more imminent celebrations like Sydney’s New Year’s Eve? Are we going to see some fireworks as we wave 2020 goodbye?
Yes, Sydney’s fireworks celebration will go ahead on December 31 but – BUT – the event will be strictly ticketed. So no more rocking up with a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine at 3pm and hope for the best.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the NSW government is planning to lock down the city, allowing only those with tickets to enter. Hospitality venues in the CBD will be restricted to workers and those with pre-booked tickets. Without tickets, you will be turned away. And, of course, most of the usual vantage points will be roped off or inaccessible.
The NSW government is reserving prime viewing positions in the harbour for frontline workers. This decision is to thank them for their efforts this year during the bushfires and pandemic.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “2020 has been a tough year for everyone. New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a symbol of hope and optimism for next year. It is also an opportunity to thank people across NSW who have stepped up during this difficult time.”
Another big change coming to Sydney’s NYE 2020 is that the 9pm fireworks display will be cancelled. Yep, if you want to watch the show you got to stay up until midnight. This decision is an effort to minimise crowds and tone down the event as a whole.
The TL;DR is that if you want to go to the CBD for New Years eve this year, you need to book a ticket.
Or better yet, watch them from the comfort of your own home. Not a bad way to ring in 2021 if you ask us.
Images: Getty.
