New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canberra return this year for the first time since NYE 2018 with spectacular fireworks to welcome 2022 while providing support for local hospitality businesses.

Canberrans are invited to picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin from 6pm and enjoy a fun and friendly evening while ringing in the New Year with fireworks at 9pm and 12am.

The fireworks will be launched from multiple pontoons across central, east and west basins for the first time to ensure everyone has a great view while allowing people to spread out.

The festivities will also feature local roving musicians and performance artists at selected locations around the foreshore.

Local businesses are also encouraged to create New Year’s Eve events within lakeside venues, hotel rooftops and pop-up locations around the lake to maximise trading opportunities after the difficult lockdown.

“It has been a difficult couple of years and Canberrans are ready to celebrate new beginnings,” said Arts Minister Tara Cheyne.

“The New Year’s Eve event this year aims to bring our community together for much deserved fun and excitement as we say goodbye to 2021.

“This will also be an opportunity for us to support local artists, food vendors, tourism and hospitality businesses after the extended lockdown in the ACT.”

National Capital Authority chief executive Sally Barnes said the event should allow Canberrans to celebrate the New Year appropriately.

“The National Capital Authority is thrilled to be hosting the first major event within the National Triangle since the recent lockdown,” said Ms Barnes.

“Relocating the New Year’s Eve fireworks and festivities to the shorelines of Lake Burley Griffin allows all Canberrans the opportunity to bring in 2022 with an appropriate spectacle and celebration.”

Canberrans are encouraged to support the struggling hospitality industry by pre-purchasing picnic hampers, or to dine out in one of the many restaurants across the city before coming to watch the fireworks.

“With the easing of restrictions and our high vaccination rates, I hope this New Year’s Eve event will kickstart a return to major events in the capital,” said Ms Cheyne.

The event is being organised by Events ACT under the guidance of ACT Health to deliver what will be a COVID-safe post-lockdown party for the Canberra community.

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