City of Newcastle setting new accessibility benchmark on New Year's Eve

An explosive chorus of crackles and bangs won't be the only sounds bringing Newcastle's annual fireworks display to life this New Year's Eve.

For the first time in the event's history, the dazzling light show in the sky will be accompanied by an audio description designed to enhance the experience for people who are low vision or blind.

It is among a range of initiatives planned for 31 December as City of Newcastle delivers one of the most accessible and inclusive New Year's Eve celebrations in regional Australia.

City of Newcastle's Nick Kaiser with some of the performers and inflatables that will feature in this year's New Year's Eve celebrations.Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said City of Newcastle was building on its past efforts to ensure the event caters for everyone.

"The community has told us they wanted events to be more inclusive, so accessibility was a key factor in planning from the outset," Mr Kaiser said.

"We worked with an inclusion consultant to enhance how people plan for, navigate around and experience New Year's Eve along the Harbour Foreshore precinct.

"Our sensory zone has been one of the most popular elements of our New Year's Eve event for the past seven years, providing a safe and comfortable space for people with a disability and their families to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

"We encourage all members of the community to come together in the city centre to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere as we welcome in 2025."

The audio description of the fireworks will allow people who are blind or low vision to better experience what is a traditional highlight of the New Year's Eve celebrations. Registrations are essential to gain access to the headphones, which will be located in the dedicated viewing areas set up to give people with accessibility needs an uninterrupted view of the 9pm fireworks display.

A Sensory Story has also been created for first time to help people who may ordinarily avoid large events, to prepare for the festivities. It provides a visual representation of dedicated parking areas, shows how far people need to travel, where to get food, the location of entertainment and accessible toilets, as well as the Quiet Zone.

Dedicated accessible parking and drop off areas and a continuous path of travel make navigating the Harbour Foreshore precinct easier.

The New Year's Eve celebrations will kick off at 5pm and are expected to attract more than 35,000 to the Harbour Foreshore precinct surrounding Queens Wharf.

The event will see community spirit combined with creativity through a series of unique activities including a one-kilometre parade of bikes, scooters, prams, and wheelchairs, accompanied by inflatable puppets on whimsical bikes.

Parades will take place every hour with visitors encouraged to come prepared with their ride of choice already decorated, or head to the Creation Station to get inspired and receive assistance with decorations.

A Wish Dome will give visitors a chance to write down their new year's resolutions or wishes for 2025 and attach them to a giant floating jellyfish inside a beautifully illuminated dome.

There's also a host of musical options, a diverse array of food vendors and the 'Kids Zone' will offer face painting, an inflatable ninja course and crafts to ensure a fun-filled experience for all ages before the 9pm fireworks provide a spectacular crescendo to the night.

To find out more visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/nye24