Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks to be intergalactic: Reg Mombassa

New Year's Eve plans: the event's creative ambassador Reg Mombassa with Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore. Photo: Ben Rushton

Sydney Harbour Bridge will put on its biggest midnight display yet when more than a billion people cast their eyes to the harbour city on New Year's Eve.

But artist and musician Reg Mombassa, the event's creative ambassador, said its logo of an "all-seeing eye" was not a hint that crowds might see one staring back.

"If I gave the slightest bit of information away I'd be locked up for treason," the Mambo artist and Mental As Anything rocker said.

What was revealed on Monday was news that the much-anticipated bridge effect, thanks to 16 kilometres of rope light, will be twice as big as previous years – stretching 12 storeys high and 72 metres wide.

Mombassa, who confirmed that this New Year's Eve would be his first work in pyrotechnics, said he was reliably informed Sydney's display would stand out.

"Apparently the fireworks, the Sydney fireworks, are actually visible from the closest galactic supercluster, the Virgo Supercluster, which is 65 million light years from earth.

So there will be some insect-faced aliens enjoying the fireworks display, which is nice to know," Mombassa said.

"Unfortunately the pathetic displays from the other cities won't be visible from that distance.”


Also joining the party will be the Sydney Opera House, which will launch more than 1000 fireworks from its sails as it marks its 40th birthday.

It is the first time the world famous building has been incorporated into the fireworks display in more than a decade, using specially developed pyrotechnics that will not damage its exterior.

Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore said the $6.8 million fireworks display was the city's gift to Sydney.

About 1.5 million people are expected at the harbour and another 1.1 billion will watch a broadcast of the harbourside festivities, Cr Moore said.

“We are marking the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House in the best way that Sydney NYE knows how – brilliant, specially-designed fireworks, firing from the world-famous sails," Cr Moore said.

"I expect this year's event to have one of the most creative fireworks displays Sydney has seen.”

Fortunato Foti, now in his 14th year as the director of the fireworks, said this year was again a challenge to create a display bigger than in previous years.

"Inspiration for this year's fireworks display has been taken from Reg Mombassa's work which, as always, is very colourful and unique. It's been a challenge pulling it together, but I think the crowds will be impressed on the night," Mr Foti said.

And revellers will also have the chance to take home more than photos and memories, for $120.

In an Australian first, a collector's coin featuring a coloured hologram depicting the bridge effect, will be available for sale.

The "Shine" Logo by local artist: Reg Mombassa

Darling Harbour all set to float pontoon designed by fabric architect

By David Wheeldon

A new floating pontoon venue has been approved for Darling Harbour, Sydney, designed by fabric architect Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems.

Named Dockside Pavilion, the contemporary, fabric-draped structure will be located on an anchored floating pontoon, where it will serve as a substitute venue for events while the Sydney Convention Centre is being redeveloped.

The pavilion is a partnership between Dockside Group, the Darling Harbour Alliance and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

The designers behind the pavilion are internationally recognised, including for Louis Vuitton's 150th Anniversary Trunk, a suitcase shaped venue which has toured various cities worldwide, and for The Cloud in Auckland, which featured prominently during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Christopher Drivas, managing director, Dockside Group said the Dockside Pavilion will play an important part in attracting locals and tourists to visit the Darling Harbour area during the redevelopments.

“With capabilities to host numerous and diverse events, including conferences, business events, charity gala events, festivals and public events, the Dockside Pavilion will offer event organisers an exciting new option,” Drivas said.

He added: “We felt it was important for us as long-term tenants of Darling Harbour to support the industry and the businesses around us during this time of transition. We are looking forward to hosting many exciting and wonderful experiences.”

Source: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/darling-harbour-all-set-to-float-pontoon-designed

Carols Under the Bridge 2013

An authentic carols event beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney's biggest and fastest growing Christmas events, Carols under the Bridge (that's the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in case you were wondering) is a relaxed carols event that's all about the festive season. There's no celebrity host, no showbiz singers, just music, food, activities for the kids, and 4000 fellow revellers.

Two concerts will be taking place over the course of the day. The first will start at 5.00pm, with performances from Dave Halls Band, who are a seven-piece jazz band. While they are playing, there will be face-painting and games for the kids.

Children are encouraged to attend the event

At 7.30pm the more traditional Christmas carols concert will begin. It will run until 9.00 and everyone is encouraged to sing along to classic carols like Silent Night, The First Noël and O Holy Night. Free songbooks can be collected as you arrive.

Throughout the evening there will be food stalls selling all sorts of beverages, snacks and meals on the Milsons Point side of the event. You may also choose to get something to eat at one of the local cafes and restaurants.

If you're thinking of attending this year's Carols Under the Bridge, public transport is the recommended way of getting there, as the thousands of people who are expected to attend should make your chance of finding a place to park your car pretty slim.