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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Byron’s streets close for all-ages NYE

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

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If you are looking for a night that’s inclusive, safe and family-friendly, Byron is the place to be!

Family-friendly is the theme again for New Year’s Eve Soul Street celebrations in Byron Bay, say Byron Council, with the focus on inclusive, all-ages entertainment in Jonson Street and Dening Park.

In a press release, Council staff say, ‘From 3pm onwards in the section of Jonson Street between Lawson Street and Byron Street, including Lateen Lane, there will be drumming workshops, an outdoor dining zone, live music and face-painting’.

Dening Park 

‘From 6pm the focus of activity will move to Dening Park where people will be entertained by a wide range of musicians, many of the them locals’.

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, warned revellers that ‘If people are planning a massive night of drinking and carrying on, Byron Bay is not the place for them this NYE, but if they are looking for a night that’s inclusive, safe and family-friendly, Byron is the place to be’.

Staff went onto say, ‘Police will be patrolling the streets and enforcing the alcohol-free zones in parks and on beaches’.

‘There will be no tolerance for anti-social behaviour and overnight camping in beach car parks and in streets is illegal and people will be fined.

‘Road closures will be in place in parts of the Byron Bay central business district from early on December 31 and all roads will be open again by 8am on January 1, 2024’.



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Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

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A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?