Sydney’s spectacular start to New Year

Spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnics welcomed in New Year in Sydney like never before.

At the stroke of midnight, more than 65,000 fireworks were launched from seven barges across the harbour, accompanied by lighting effects spanning the length of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from end to end and over the arch.

Inspired by the 'pulse of Sydney' theme, the 12-minute spectacular featured new wave-effect and pulsating fireworks, as well as new lime and peach coloured fireworks in celebration of the Australian summer.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said around one million people had gathered around Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year, with more than one billion watching around the world.

"Sydney New Year's Eve is one of the largest and most technical fireworks displays in the world," the Lord Mayor said.

"Under the direction of fireworks maestro, Fortunato Foti, our fireworks become more spectacular every year - with new colours and effects.

"We also use a combination of lighting effects and fireworks manufactured from biodegradable paper, so that we use less power and minimise our environmental impact while putting on a world-class event for our Sydney community and visitors alike."

Foti International Fireworks spent more than 5,000 hours over the last 15 months planning and preparing for the fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

The event incorporated 8.5 tonnes of fireworks - 500kg more than in 2017 - to make it the biggest show ever, featuring:

More than 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects 13,000 shells 35,000 shooting comets (5,000 more than 2017) 6,000 fireworks cues shot from 175 firing locations on the Sydney Harbour Bridge 1,000 extra firework special lighting effects on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, making it the biggest display ever 832 fireworks set off from the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

The fireworks were digitally launched via 18 computers that were linked with more than 60 kilometres of wire and cables, to ensure synchronisation with a specially-created music soundtrack.

Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks are manufactured from biodegradable paper and compounds that dissipate after use to minimise the environmental impact. The City draws on improved technology, energy saving LED and low wattage lighting.

Sydney New Year's Eve images are available for download here. Please credit Getty Images / City of Sydney.

For New Year's event information, visit the Sydney New Year's Eve website.

For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis. Phone mobile 0467 810 160 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Julia Lenton. Phone 0410 748 039 or email [email protected]