Cr Rhonda Coghlan with members of the Pace Project (from left) Emily Aiken, Finlay Fox and Bianca Aiken, getting ready for the NYE Glow in the Dark Fun Run.
Fireworks will be held across three venues on New Year’s Eve to welcome 2022 with a sense of optimism.
New Year’s Eve firework displays will be held simultaneously at the family friendly time of 8.30pm at the Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove jetty and Walker Road Sporting Precinct in Edmonton.
For the traditionalists, there will also be midnight fireworks on the Cairns Esplanade.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said that after two difficult years there was a sense of optimism for the city’s future.
“New Year’s Eve events are important in that they give residents the chance to celebrate, especially after a tough couple of years,” Cr Manning said.
“We have done it tougher than most, but despite the challenges, I think we are all feeling a sense of optimism and are happy that our city is again buzzing with the influx of interstate visitors.
“This year, we have added a third fireworks display in Edmonton, which means that southern residents will not need to venture into the city to enjoy the festivities.
“Fireworks are an iconic part of New Year celebrations and I am sure families are looking forward to making the most of the events to welcome 2022.”
Residents can also listen to a special music mix, synchronised to the firework displays, by tuning into Hit 103.5 FM or via the LiSTNR app (free to download).
NYE Glow in the Dark Fun Run
Hundreds of revellers are expected to welcome 2022 on the front foot by joining the NYE Glow in the Dark Fun Run, starting at the northern end of the Esplanade at 7pm.
“You don’t need to be super fit, just willing to have some fun and finish 2021 on a high note,” Mayor Bob Manning said.
“This year we’re holding the run a little later to encourage people to wear anything that lights up the dark, from glowsticks to headlamps.
“It is all about having some fun so check in on arrival to receive a glow in the dark wristband and as a treat, runners will get a voucher to Ben and Jerry’s when they finish.”
Anyone wanting to join the fun must pre-register online via Council’s website by 29 December.
The festivities will start at 6pm with a live DJ pumping out the tunes to get everyone in the mood before the start of the run at 7pm.
The 4km course, which will be lined with entertainers, involves two laps starting at the corner of the Esplanade and McKenzie Street, down to the hospital car park, up to the Funship Playground, and then back to McKenzie Street.
There will be presentations at 8pm for the first three male and female finishers, as well as a random raffle draw for all participants.
Runners are also encouraged to stay in the area to hear the HitFM broadcast of the fireworks soundtrack.
Registrations close on 29 December and are free via Council’s website. There will be no registrations on the day.
Fireworks
CAIRNS ESPLANADE
When: 8.30pm and midnight
Where: From barges in the water in front of the Lagoon
What else: NYE Glow in the Dark Fun Run from 7pm, starting at the Esplanade / McKenzie St intersection
PALM COVE
When: 8.30pm
Where: From Palm Cove jetty
WALKER ROAD SPORTING PRECINCT, EDMONTON
When: 8.30pm
Where: From Walker Road Sporting Precinct cricket oval
What else: Family movie Dreambuilders at the Walker Road Sporting Precinct from the Optus truck at 7pm, thanks to Optus, and supported by Kenfrost Homes. Bring your picnic blanket to enjoy the New Year’s festivities. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Esplanade road closure for New Year’s Eve festivities
To allow for New Year’s Eve festivities, the Esplanade will be closed to all traffic between Shields St and Aplin St, from midday on Friday 31 December until 1am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
The Esplanade will also be closed to all traffic between Spence St to Shields St, from 7pm on Friday 31 December until 1am on Saturday 1 January 2022.
