Kids NYE firework design will be a cracker

Creative kids across the country are being asked to look to the sky and let their imaginations run riot for the 2017 Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks design competition.

The Design Your Own Firework competition will see one lucky winner’s design light up Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve.

The youngster will also get to be part of the ABC’s NYE broadcast, pushing the ‘start button’ on the 9pm family fireworks display that will feature their original fireworks design.

The prize of a lifetime has been created by the City of Sydney and ABC ME and is open to children across Australia aged 16 years and under. The competition opens for entry on Sunday 23 July.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it was a unique opportunity for a budding young artist to be part of Sydney’s world renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“This is Australia’s night of the year, enjoyed by millions around the world, and for a child to be part of this wonderful evening is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I can’t wait to see the winning entry light up the sky on New Year’s Eve.”

ABC Director of Television, David Anderson, said: “Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks displays is a highly aniticipated event, and one of the best in the world.

“The ABC is thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity once again. With such a sought after prize, the challenge is on for Aussie kids to send in some amazing and unique designs.”

To enter, kids are invited to create a colourful and unique firework design. The design showing the most creativity, effort and potential to be reproduced as a fireworks display will be announced on Sunday 17 September 2017.

The winner will receive a trip to Sydney for a family of four that includes tickets to the Sydney New Year’s Eve official Dawes Point viewing area and the chance to be part of the live ABC NYE broadcast at 9pm.

The winning design will be brought to life by Foti International Fireworks, the company that has delivered Sydney’s spectacular New Year’s Eve displays since 1997. Master pyrotechnician Fortunato Foti says bringing a child’s firework design to life is an exciting challenge.

“I love seeing what kids’ imaginations come up with. I can’t wait to see what designs they come up with this year,” Mr Foti said.

“It’s such a unique and wonderful challenge to be able take a child’s drawing and turn it into a firework that’s enjoyed by millions of people all around the world.”

His advice to budding designers is to look at the sky as a blank canvas.

“Design comes from imagination. Sometimes it’s just about looking at the environment such as a simple flower and seeing if it can be turned into a firework.” Mr Foti said.

“We’ve got no shortage of colours to choose from – bolds to pastels and gold and glitter – so let your imagination run riot.”

How to enter:

Watch the promo for more inspiration! youtu.be/Tpe8N1Vjun0

For media enquiries contact:

City of Sydney Senior Media Relations Advisor Belinda Wallis

M: 0467 810 160 [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please phone 02 8974 4165 or email [email protected]

Amy Reiha, TV Publicist, ABC TV Marketing

02 8333 3852 | 0404 026 039 | [email protected]