All eyes will be on the sky over Newcastle Harbour on New Year's Eve when daring aerobatics manoeuvres and dazzling fireworks provide an electrifying farewell to 2022.
For the first time, City of Newcastle's annual end of year celebrations will include a high-octane display of piloting prowess by Paul Bennet Airshows.
Gravity-defying solo manoeuvres and precision formation flying will thrill the crowds during the afternoon, culminating in the Australian debut of a spectacular new pyrotechnics display fired from the side of a Cessna 185 Skywagon.
This will be followed by City of Newcastle's traditional 9pm fireworks show over the harbour, which this year will be launched from Horseshoe Beach for an improved viewing experience.
The festivities will begin from 4pm on 31 December, with the Queens Wharf precinct being transformed into an inclusive, interactive multi-sensory zone with family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Year's Eve was the perfect time to come together in celebration as a community.
"The last 12 months have demonstrated the enduring resilience and strength of spirit embedded within our community as we have worked together to respond to these uncertain times," Cr Nelmes said.
"The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved this year and everything we're looking forward to in 2023 and there's no better place to do that than along our beautiful Foreshore.
"This year we're taking our celebrations to new heights, adding a thrilling aerobatics show and high-flying pyrotechnics display to our family-friendly entertainment options and much-loved fireworks.
"Our popular VIP sensory zone will provide a safe and whimsical space for people with disability and their families, while community members can experience our city's connection to local Indigenous culture with traditional arts and crafts workshops, dance demonstrations, a hands-on ochre art installation and First Nations body painting."
A self-guided sensory-based art walk will also be set up along the Foreshore featuring installations and sculpture by students and graduates from the University of Newcastle, while a host of mouth-watering food vendors, three pop-up DJ stations and a kids' zone with rides and amusements will help deliver a New Year's Eve event for all members of the community.
For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/
