NYE celebrations in Byron Bay are set to go ahead with two sets of fireworks – at 9pm and midnight – and live entertainment after local businesses contributed to operational costs.
Byron Shire Council also contributed $36,000.
The drug- and alcohol-free event starts at 4pm in Apex Park, Byron Bay, and is being held in partnership with Byron United.
Mayor Richardson thanked Byron United for again supplying the fireworks for the New Years Eve’s celebration.
Along with live entertainment, the twilight market stalls and amusement rides are also planned.
Paul Waters, president of Byron’s chamber of commerce (Byron United), said, ‘Our overall New Year’s Eve fundraising efforts are being rewarded and our target has been met due to a substantial contribution made by the Byron Shire Echo and the SAE Institute this week, who have both shown great community spirit with their generosity.
General manager of The Echo and Echonetdaily Simon Haslam said that he was pleased to be able to support this family-friendly low-key community-based alcohol-free fun-filled event.
Byron Shire mayor Simon Richardson said with the success of last New Year’s Eve event, the same program is in place for 2012. ‘The focus for the night in Byron Bay is on chilled, family-friendly events featuring market stalls, entertainment, amusement rides and fireworks – NYE Byron style.’
Mayor Richardson urged all residents and visitors to have a safe and responsible night. ‘Take care on the roads and be careful not to overindulge with alcohol on the night.’
To ensure the safe management of this event, the following street closures will occur:
- Jonson Street will be closed at the Lawson Street roundabout up to Main Beach.
- Bay Street will be closed at the corner of Fletcher Street.
- Bay Lane will be restricted to residents and delivery vehicles only between Fletcher and Jonson Streets.
Street closures will commence at 6am on Monday 31 December. The streets will be reopened at 6am on Tuesday 1 January after the cleanup operation. The road closures will mean that no parking is available at the beachfront during the day while preparations are underway.
Police, Ambulance and St John’s officers will also be in attendance at Byron Bay during the night.
Alcohol will be prohibited to be consumed or carried in certain public areas including public roads, footpaths, parks, car parks and beaches.
A map of the Byron Bay and alcohol-free zones can be found on Council’s website www.byron.nsw.gov.au/new-years-eve.
