The traditional New Year’s fireworks display at both Manly and Dee Why is scheduled to go ahead, Northern Beaches Council confirmed today.
The fireworks are being planned in the traditional venues of Manly and Dee Why at 9pm, and Bayview, with the time to be confirmed. For the first time, a new 9pm event has been added for Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose to support the crowd density restrictions and social distancing.
While the NSW Roadmap indicated that these events will be able to proceed, they will be subject to the NSW Health Orders in place at 31 December.
Mayor Michael Regan said he was thrilled fireworks would return to the Northern Beaches after COVID forced their cancellation last year and only Manly was able to go ahead the year before due to large swells and bushfires. The mayor also said he had taken on board suggestions for a laser show, as well as additional locations, and will request these options are explored for future events.
“What was interesting was a number of comments came back with we should be looking to make the switch to drones, to laser lights, and other methods that won’t scare the animals, nor pollute the environment. Great and fair points,” the Mayor wrote.
“I will ask our staff to look at all those options, compare the costs, the benefits and present that back to the new Council early next year so that we can consult with the community. In the past when we have looked at that, it has been very cost prohibitive – but things change. We owe it to our community to consider these options for so many reasons.”
But 2021 will end with the traditional BANG.
“2021 has been a tough year and what better way to mark its end than with firework events which bring our community back together,” Mayor Regan said.
“With the new addition of Lionel Watts to the program, no one on the Beaches is too far from being able to enjoy the NYE spectacle.
“Thanks to the community getting behind vaccination targets and with the government forecasting major restrictions easing from 1 December, we can throw ourselves into planning our NYE events with more certainty.
“I know how many people look forward to these family friendly events on the Beaches and I am pleased we are in a position to deliver them.”
