NYE fireworks still on table despite food event not proceeding

Published on 05 October 2020

A collaborative effort to deliver a waterfront event in Hobart to celebrate the end of the year has been thwarted by ongoing uncertainties around COVID-19, but plans are continuing for a New Year’s Eve fireworks display presented by the City of Hobart.

General Manager Nick Heath said the City had been working closely with the Tasmanian Government with the aim of hosting an appropriate food and beverage event for the Christmas – New Year period.

“Unfortunately, despite a public Expressions of Interest process that attracted several proposals that are worthy of future consideration, it became clear in the feedback we received that a meaningful event on the waterfront this year was not viable,” Mr Heath said.

“The ongoing uncertainties created by COVID-19 and the limitations on public gatherings are simply too great to deliver an event in line with what any of us had hoped to achieve.

“We want to thank everyone who made the effort to prepare a proposal despite the difficult circumstances.”

Mr Heath said the City would continue to work towards providing a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, subject to public health advice.

“We will make further announcements on the fireworks when we have more definitive information,” he said. 

The City will continue to provide support to local restaurants and other traders to enhance their trade over summer through initiatives such as block parties, Business Adaptation Grant funding (currently open for applications), and opportunities to extend outdoor dining footprints where space and COVID-safe planning allows.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds thanked the Premier for conducting the recent EoI process.

“We are disappointed that circumstances have prevented us from securing a suitable event for this year,” she said. “But we will continue to work collaboratively with the state government in the new year to see if any of the proposals could be incorporated in future events.”