Picnics in the park, pool parties, food trucks and market stalls are set to wind up a year that was like no other in Newcastle.

While the final days of 2020 cannot be celebrated as it normally would, Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says there are still plenty of ways to ring in the New Year.

“In a year that’s been very different from what anyone would have expected, we’ve decided to do things a little differently when it comes to our New Year’s celebrations,” Cr Clausen said.

“After making the difficult decision to cancel our traditional fireworks event this year, we’ve been working on ways to bring the party to the people and allow Novocastrians to celebrate closer to home.

“To that end, we’re putting on seven localised events on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that will provide festive opportunities for our community to reconnect, reflect, and refresh heading into 2021.

“You can pack a picnic blanket, bring a basket and stock up on your favourite goodies from local food providers before settling back with family and friends to enjoy a picnic in the park.

“Our swimming centres will also allow you to splash into 2021 at festive pool parties where you can make a day of it with water-based inflatables, roving entertainment and a selection of food trucks.”

The New Year’s program will include:

• Food Markets at Lambton Park and Dixon Park on New Year’s Eve (3pm to 8pm), including roving entertainment and children’s activities.
• Activations at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including inflatables, food trucks and roving entertainment.
• Food Markets at Richley Reserve on New Year’s Day (10am to 4pm), including roving entertainment, children’s activities and a ‘sensory zone’ for people with disabilities and their families.

Go to the City of Newcastle website for more information.