Did you know that more than 80,000 pyrotechnic effects spread over 178 firing locations have been set up on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, five water-based firing platforms, and the four sails of the Sydney Opera House for the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in the city?
Regarded as one of the largest and most technologically advanced fireworks shows on earth, the highly-anticipated event can be viewed from numerous vantage points across Sydney and will be watched by thousands across Australia and even the world.
Schedule
A team of 50 pyrotechnic experts and crew will manage 60 tonnes of equipment, including 25 kilometres of cabling linking 15 computers throughout the night to launch six tonnes of fireworks across two displays — one at 9:00 p.m. and another one at midnight.
An Aboriginal Elder will perform a sacred Smoking Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. as a sign of respect for Traditional Custodians past and present. The ceremony will also be done to welcome all visitors onto Gadigal land.
Light projections will enliven the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge throughout the night. On the eastern side, dazzling lighting effects will grace the harbour foreshore.
The 9:00 p.m. “Welcome to Country” fireworks display is curated by First Nations artist Blak Douglas. It will feature silhouettes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers projected on the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while the sky overhead lights up with fireworks in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
The midnight show will bid 2021 adieu and welcome 2022 with bursts of neon, pastel colours, white strobe effects, colour-changing shells and silver spinning fireworks.
Check the vantage point map for the best views or watch the event via live stream access.
Behind the Scenes
Fortunato Foti, the man behind the fireworks display, has been doing this for 25 years. He has been instrumental in creating “one of the largest and most technologically advanced fireworks shows on earth.”
Mr Foti belongs to the seventh generation of pyrotechnicians in his family and they have been making fireworks since 1793. His current team includes his children, nieces, nephews, cousins and siblings, plus an experienced staff.
“We normally do between 400 to 500 fireworks shows a year but nothing compares to the exhilaration of creating Sydney’s New Year’s Eve displays,” Mr Foti said.
“Creating an event of this scale and being responsible for entertaining millions of people across Australia and around the world is what it’s all about – it’s what drives us each year to do something new, brighter and better.
“This year is no different – taking into consideration the theme of ‘see Sydney shine’, we promise a show that everyone will enjoy, whether they’re watching it around the harbour, at home or online.
“Both the 9:00 p.m. and midnight displays have been meticulously planned to ensure the fireworks are perfectly synchronised with each show’s specially created soundtrack.”
“Every year Foti Fireworks creates the most spectacular and memorable displays across our harbour for everyone to enjoy – they capture the attention of audiences around the globe,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“The Foti team spend more than eight days getting every firework into position to be launched on the night. I don’t think anyone is going to walk away disappointed!”
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