Revellers should expect to see jugglers, clowns, fire breathers, trapeze artists and more when they bring in the New Year at Wollongong Harbour.
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It is time to say goodbye to 2018 because the countdown to 2019 is now on.
Wollongong City Council is excited to host the Illawarra’s biggest annual family friendly event on December 31 at Belmore Basin.
More than 20,000 people are expected to take part in the fun from 5pm. This year’s theme is circus.
There will be live music, roaming circus performers, amusement rides, food trucks and novelty stores along the popular foreshore area.
There will also be a spectacular fireworks show to wrap up the event at 9pm.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said this year was going to be bigger and better than ever.
“I hope everyone has a wonderful time and creates memories,” he said.
“The circus performers will create a great atmosphere and the night is about celebrating and having fun.
“There will be entertainment for the whole family.
“Now with the completed Blue Mile Tramway, the harbour will be a special meeting place.”
There will also be fire breathers performing, a light show and a wishing tree for people to write down their New Year’s resolutions.
Party-goers are encouraged to join in on the Greatest Harbour Sing as the song ‘This is Me’ from the film ‘The Greatest Showman’ is performed.
Ann Lehmann-Kuit, Janet Andrews and Sue Bonner will be conducting the sing-a-long and wanted people to let go of their inhibitions and belt out the song.
“This is a chance for the community to sing together in a lovely atmosphere,” Ms Andrews said. “It will be great fun.”
“To have 20,000 people sing will be powerful and a great way to bring in the new year,” Ms Lehmann-Kuit said.
Cr Bradbery reminded people to behave themselves at the alcohol-free event so everyone had a good time.
“The police presence is not supposed to be intrusive but they will make sure the event is safe and well managed,” he said.
Wollongong Police District superintendent Chris Craner said he knew people would behave themselves and encouraged revellers to thank emergency service workers.
“They won’t be there with their families and it can be a tough job so it would be nice for people to thank them,” he said.
Cr Bradbery encouraged people to plan their trip and use public transport.
For people with disability, council has provided a drop-off and pick-up zone as well as additional accessible parking.
To reserve a space, apply via the council’s website by December 17.
Acorn Lawyers are the major sponsor for the event.