Fireworks planned to usher in the New Year

Firework displays will be held at the Cairns Esplanade and Palm Cove to draw the curtain on a challenging 2020 and celebrate the coming year with a renewed sense of optimism.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Cairns are being finalised, with Mayor Bob Manning revealing plans for early fireworks at the Esplanade and Palm Cove, as well as a traditional midnight display on the Esplanade.

“It has been a very challenging year for everyone,” Cr Manning said.

“You get the sense that people are relieved to see the back of 2020 and looking very much towards a 2021 that brings the promise of open borders, travel and renewed enthusiasm.

“New Year’s Eve events are important in that they give residents the chance to celebrate after such a tough year.

“They also give everyone the chance to support businesses in our city, especially those in the tourist industry, which have been so deeply impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.”

At the Esplanade, family friendly fireworks will be held at 8.30pm with a second display at midnight to welcome the New Year.

The Palm Cove fireworks display will be at 8.30pm.

Cr Manning said the fireworks displays had been pared back this year due to a lack of sponsorship and the high costs of staging the events to maintain COVID compliance.

“Staging this year’s events has significant extra costs associated with additional security and the implementation of systems to allow for contact tracing,” Cr Manning said.

“However, I am sure that it will still be a spectacular show that everyone in attendance will thoroughly enjoy.”

People attending New Year’s Eve events are asked to practice social distancing as much as possible and will be required to “check-in” using a QR code available at numerous points along the Esplanade and at Palm Cove.

New Year’s Eve at the Esplanade offers an alcohol-free and family friendly environment with live music, roving performers a fun run – culminating in two spectacular fireworks displays.

Hundreds of revellers are expected to welcome 2021 on the front foot by joining the New Year’s Eve Resolution Fun Run, starting at the northern end of the Esplanade at 5pm.

“You don’t need to be super-fit, just willing to have some fun and finish 2020 on a high note,” Mayor Bob Manning said.

“Participants are also encouraged to dress as a superhero in recognition of the superhero-like efforts of our frontline workers during this past year.

“We are also making this year’s run more inclusive, with people allowed to run with their dogs.”

Dogs need to be on a lead, be supervised by someone 16 years or over, must be socialised and comfortable around crowds and loud noises.

The event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, although children aged under 12 must be supervised by an adult.

Everyone who registers will receive a race bib, and the first 300 runners past the line will receive a free Jackley’s Bakehouse cupcake to celebrate their efforts.

There are two race classifications – the “In it to win it” class which will include runners attempting to complete the 4km course under 24 minutes, followed by the casual “I just want to finish/I’m running with my furry friend” category.

Prizes will be presented for the fastest male and female, along with prizes for best dressed humans and dog.

Registrations close 28 December and are free via Council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/whats-on/annual-events/ny-resolution-fun-run. There will be no registrations on the day due to COVID restrictions.