Families are the focus for NYE celebrations in Byron Bay

Published on 23 December 2019

Byron Shire residents and visitors are invited to Byron Bay’s New Year’s Eve event to say goodbye to 2019 and welcome to 2020.

The town’s main street, Jonson Street, will be closed to traffic and transformed into Soul Street, where people will be able to celebrate the coming of the New Year with great music, tantalising food, children’s fun and excellent entertainment.

“We are so excited to showcase our fun and interactive line-up that is designed to keep all ages entertained with the focus on fun and not alcohol, excessive drinking and destructive behaviour,” Soul Street Creative Director, Renee Simone, said.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson said New Year’s Eve in Byron Bay is a night for people to celebrate in a family-friendly environment.

“There will be no tolerance for anti-social behaviour and there will be a strong police presence in town,” Mayor Richardson said.

“This is about making sure that everyone, locals and visitors, are able to enjoy the festivities in a safe and peaceful place without some individuals disrupting our shared celebrations,” he said. 

Children’s entertainment will start at 4pm in Railway Park and this will include a petting zoo, face painting, jumping castle, kids band, crafts, bubbles, balloons and more.

The main event will commence at 6pm and will include comedy, music, cabaret, circus workshops, fire shows and music.

The focus of all activities in Byron Bay will be in Jonson Street with no fireworks or countdown to be held on or near the beach.

For people who are looking for a gentle start to the New Year the First Sun event will be held at the Cape Byron Lighthouse from 5am on 1 January.

There will be yoga and meditation as the first rays of sun in 2020 hit the east coast of Australia at Cape Byron.

There will be changes to traffic and parking both in the Byron Bay CBD and at the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Information about parking for NYE and First Sun is on Council’s website:

For Council-related media enquiries call Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 66267320.