Hunter residents will be spoiled for choice when celebrating the end of 2022 this weekend, with fireworks planned at several locations.
Family-friendly events, featuring pyrotechnic displays, are scheduled to take place at the Newcastle Foreshore, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Muswellbrook, to name a few, on Saturday 31 December.
And, here’s a rundown of the major New Year’s Eve festivities in the region.
Newcastle
A huge range of inclusive activities and entertainment will kick off from the Queens Wharf precinct at 4pm.
There, aces Paul Bennet and Glenn Graham, from Paul Bennet Airshows, are set to deliver three awesome exhibits over Newcastle Harbour from 6.30pm.
They’ll perform gravity-defying solo manoeuvres and precision formation flying that will delight the crowd, culminating in the national debut of a new pyrotechnics spectacular.
“This will be an Australian first,” Mr Bennet said.
“The show is finishing with fireworks shooting from a Cessna 185 Skywagon as it flies directly overhead.”
As part of this display, the duo will present a stunning routine upping the thrill factor significantly.
The evening also boasts three DJs pumping dance tracks, along with cultural workshops, plenty of amazing food options and heaps for the kids to enjoy including the ever-popular bungee trampolines.
Lake Macquarie
Locals and visitors alike can celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks at the Wangi RSL Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, both from 9pm.
Bands Dirty Annie and Outerphase will hit the stage at each venue respectively at 8.30pm.
The viewing areas are among the best in the region, so get in early.
Maitland
An all-ages event is scheduled to kick off at The Levee from 5pm.
Revellers, young and young-at-heart, can enjoy a raft of activities including amusement rides, games, a photo booth, kids’ disco, arts and crafts, and an interactive “doodle bubble” experience.
And, to ensure everyone soaks up the atmosphere, the extravaganza will be spread across both sides of the Hunter River, at RH Taylor Reserve in Lorn and the Riverside car park.
Newcastle-based retro party band The Cassettes will blast out popular 80s classics from the main stage before the 9pm fireworks bring the evening to a rousing finish.
To round out proceedings, there’ll be food and drink options aplenty, too.
Port Stephens
Enjoy festivities all day, with d’Albora Marina at Nelson Bay offering a program of entertainment from noon.
Alternatively, grab a picnic blanket, buy some takeaway and settle into one of the many viewing points along the foreshore.
Fireworks blast off at 9pm, with road closures in place between 8pm and 9.45pm to facilitate safe and easy passage for patrons.
Muswellbrook
Katie Jayne, followed by The Collective, will rock out at the Muswellbrook Showground from 5pm.
Organisers have planned lots of attractions and activities for the kids, including face painting, giant maze, fire shows, a roaming magician, jumping castles, bubble mermaids and more.
A variety of food options will be available for purchase as well.
Meanwhile, a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display, at 9pm, closes the celebration.
For more entertainment stories:
- Aussie music pioneer still Chugging along after five decades
- Paul Dempsey bound for The Gum Ball in 2023
- Something for everyone at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre
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