Southeast Queensland is bracing for a period of unsettled weather characterized by partly cloudy conditions, increased humidity, and the possibility of thunderstorms as residents and visitors prepare to ring in the New Year. A surface trough lingering over the region is drawing in moisture, creating instability in the atmosphere and increasing the likelihood of rain and storm activity. While this unsettled pattern is expected to persist over the next few days, it is anticipated to shift further north as the new year begins. The weather forecast adds a touch of unpredictability to the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebrations, with the potential for intermittent showers and storms adding an element of surprise to the festivities.
Despite the prospect of unsettled weather, more than 150,000 people are expected to converge on South Bank and its surrounding areas to witness the spectacular fireworks display that has become a hallmark of Brisbane’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year’s pyrotechnic extravaganza promises to be a dazzling spectacle, with 80,000 individual fireworks illuminating the night sky from barges strategically positioned along the Brisbane River. The fireworks display, meticulously orchestrated by Brisbane company Skylighter Fireworks, is themed “Inspire,” reflecting the spirit of reflection, renewal, and growth that traditionally accompanies the transition to a new year.
To enhance the viewing experience for families, this year’s celebrations will feature an early fireworks display commencing at 7:45 pm. This family-friendly timing allows younger children to participate in the festivities before bedtime. In a first for the event, the soundtrack accompanying the fireworks will be streamed live via the Cinewav app, allowing spectators at various vantage points to enjoy a synchronized audio-visual experience. This innovative approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their location, can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the fireworks display.
The early fireworks show, designed to cater to families with young children, will run for nine minutes, providing a captivating display of pyrotechnic artistry. The main event, the midnight fireworks display, will follow later in the evening, offering a seven-minute spectacle of light and sound to usher in the new year. Complementing the fireworks, The Star casino will contribute to the festive atmosphere with a synchronized light display projected onto the Queen’s Wharf building during the early show and a countdown projected onto the same building leading up to the midnight fireworks.
Skylighter Fireworks, the company responsible for designing and executing this year’s pyrotechnic display, has chosen “Inspire” as the overarching theme. The theme aims to encapsulate the sense of hope, optimism, and new beginnings that characterize the transition to a new year. Spectators are encouraged to look out for new and innovative fireworks styles, including the hibiscus, hydrangea, and “dragon cakes,” adding an element of surprise and delight to the visual spectacle. These unique firework designs promise to captivate the audience and create a memorable experience for all.
Dale Norris, project manager at Skylighter Fireworks, expressed the company’s pride in being part of the New Year’s Eve tradition in Brisbane. He emphasized the significance of the event as a time for reflection, renewal, and growth, and highlighted the honor Skylighter Fireworks feels in providing a shared moment of celebration for the community. The fireworks display, with its carefully chosen theme and innovative designs, serves as a symbol of hope and a vibrant welcome to the new year. The combination of fireworks, music, and light displays promises a captivating and memorable celebration for all those gathered along the Brisbane River.
