Sydney welcomes 2022 with lights, beats and local talent

Thousands of spectacular fireworks dancing to homegrown beats ushered in the new year in Sydney with an uplifting display of local creative talent.

Crowds watching at home, around the harbour and across the world witnessed two jaw-dropping displays of fireworks, lights, projections and pyrotechnics.

The midnight show featured brightly coloured fireworks, light beams and awesome projections synchronised to pumping party tunes specially created by electronic music duo, The Presets.

For the first time, the 9pm fireworks display was curated by a First Nations artist. The powerful Welcome to Country show designed by Blak Douglas included projections of local First Nations custodians and dancers set to a soundtrack of calls, whistles and the barks of a didgeridoo. The show featured a live performance by hip-hop artists BARKAA and DOBBY.

Frontline workers were thanked in a special ‘blue moment’ as part of the night’s festivities. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge was also celebrated as 2022 marks its 90th birthday.

This year’s official New Year’s Eve charity partner was The Smith Family. People at the City of Sydney’s vantage points were encouraged to support the national charity’s work helping disadvantaged children get the most out of education.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore thanked staff from the City of Sydney, NSW Police, emergency services and government agencies for making the event happen in the wake of another challenging year.

“Sydney really did shine with strength and optimism last night as we bid farewell to a difficult year. Let’s hope 2022 is brighter for us and the rest of the world,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Sydney New Year’s Eve is a result of the City of Sydney and NSW Government agencies working closely and collaboratively. I’d like to thank everyone for making this event a success, especially given the many challenges we faced this year.

“Thank you to everyone who attended vantage points and events last night for wearing your masks, using QR codes, social distancing where possible and for looking out for one another.

“Thank you also to anyone who made the difficult decision to stay home. New Year’s Eve is a night people really look forward to, so staying home can be hard. I hope you were able to make the most of the coverage on the ABC.”

Sydney’s celebrations require a clean-up operation to get inner city streets and parks sparkling by early morning on New Year’s Day. Staff in trucks, sweepers and compactors worked through the night to ensure the city is clean and accessible.

The ABC broadcast live from Sydney Harbour and last night’s show is on ABC iview now.

For media inquiries or images, contact Roxanne Macara. Phone mobile 0438 554 640 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email [email protected]

For more information, visit the Sydney New Year’s Eve website.