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Sydney unites to farewell 2025

City of Sydney

Teams around the harbour are putting the final touches on Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve spectacular as the city comes together to ring in 2026.

 

At 11pm, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and boats on the water will light up white as a symbol of unity and peace, in the wake of the horrific attacks at Bondi Beach.

 

Sydney will pause for one minute of silence, with crowds invited to switch on phone torches in solidarity with the Jewish community and a mass rejection of hate.

 

“After a tragic end to the year for our city, we hope that New Year’s Eve will provide an opportunity to come together and look with hope for a peaceful and happy 2026,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

 

“On our biggest night of the year, Sydney coming together will demonstrate to the world that we stand together as one community, united in love.

 

“This year’s event will be our biggest New Year’s Eve yet, with more fireworks launched from more locations than ever before. Sydney New Year’s Eve is more than just fireworks, it is a reflection of who we are – a diverse, inclusive and creative city.”

 

Choreographed to bespoke soundtracks, more than 40,000 pyrotechnic effects will shimmer across the sky at 9pm and midnight.

 

More fireworks than ever before will spring from water, land and aerial platforms, 6 city rooftops and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

 

“With a footprint spanning 7km along the harbour, we’re doing everything we can to give the people of Sydney a great night with some stunning pyrotechnic moments,” Foti International Fireworks creative director Fortunato Foti said.

 

“We’ve been delighting and entertaining Sydney New Year’s Eve audiences for 29 years and we strive to make every year bigger and better.

 

“Keep your eye out for cockatoos, koalas, bottlebrushes and waratahs, as well as ambitious back to back waterfalls off the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”

 

Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors will once again lead this year’s Calling Country segment at 9pm, with a beautiful display of Aboriginal stories and talent, and a message of strength, love, resilience and unity.

 

Jono Ma is the visionary composer behind the high-energy, 12-minute midnight soundtrack. The tune is a sonic tribute to the city he grew up in and is shaped by Sydney’s rhythm, spirit and pulse.

 

You can listen to the midnight soundtrack now.

 

Visit sydneynewyearseve.com to:

• pick a spot to watch the fireworks and monitor its capacity on the night
• plan your journey in and out of the city on public transport
• work out which roads will be closed
• find out more about what’s in store for the night.

The ABC will broadcast live from the Sydney Opera House, capturing the fireworks displays from every angle. KIIS FM will play the synchronized soundtracks at 9pm and midnight.

 

This year’s Sydney New Year’s Eve charity partner is mental health organisation Beyond Blue. A free support service is available anytime, any day on 1300 22 4636 and webchat or email at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

 

Photos from today’s media call will be available here.

 

Visit sydneynewyearseve.com for event details.

 

For media enquiries:

Andrew Booth: 0482 530 091 or email [email protected].

Roxanne Macara: 0438 554 640 or email [email protected]

 

For interviews with Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO:

Email: [email protected]

 

 

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24-hour City of Sydney media team contact details

Phone 02 9246 7292 or email [email protected]