A rare opportunity will be adopted by businesses across the Illawarra Sunday night which will benefit many.

New Year’s Eve revellers can be assured if they’re heading out to see in 2018 their party won’t be cut short, thanks to the NSW Government’s Department of Planning and Environment.

They’ve enacted emergency legislation after finding a “glitch” which would draw many gatherings to a halt.

It was only realised earlier in December that the end of the month falls on a Sunday so current liquor licencing laws prohibited licensed premises from being open beyond 10pm.

“The eyes of the world look to see how we welcome in the New Year,” a department spokesperson said.

“Coming to welcome in the New Year in NSW is on the bucket list for people across the world. We want to make sure that people have the best time when they come here.”

They said they’ve amended state policy to avoid “disastrous” consequences so all licensed premises including hotels, clubs, smalls bars, restaurants and night clubs can extend their trading hours until 2am.

Owner of Dicey Riley’s in Wollongong George Poulos applauded the temporary change.

“They can’t expect us to close the bar at [10pm]. It’s a sensible thing that the government looks at these special events and meet the needs of the community,” he said.

Mr Poulos said the vibe around Wollongong was really good during the holiday period with many visitors to the region taking the place of residents who have left on vacation.

“It’s time to turn on our charm and hospitality,” he said.

“It’s a good vibe of just people changing gears. You’ve got the regulars moving out and the visitors and tourists moving in, it’s a really nice feeling.”

The hotel will host gatherings by the local Irish and Celtic clubs, while anyone can come along and celebrate with karaoke or relax on the venue’s new outside deck.

Many licensed venues are hosting free and ticketed parties with a variety of entertainment from acoustic duos, DJs spinning dance music plus live bands.

Here are a few listing from this week’s Gig Guide for Sunday, December 31. For more listings CLICK HERE.

Wollongong, Kiama and Shellharbour are all hosting family friendly fireworks events on Christmas eve.

For a guide to where they are plus Wollongong road closures CLICK HERE.