KUALA LUMPUR – More than one million revellers are out in droves trying to get a good vantage point for the fireworks extravaganza at Sydney Harbour, Australia, as early as 9am today as the world ushers in the year 2024.
The city’s vantage points at Circular Quay, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House, Hickson Road Reserve, and Blues Point Reserve are already packed to the brim with people having a picnic while waiting for the stroke of midnight.
Of the 49 vantage points, all 11 that were subject to a ballot draw to control crowd numbers were sold out, reported Sydney Morning Herald.
This year, the Australian government scrapped the ticketing system and allowed free entry to most harbour areas for the first time in years.
Weather predictions also point to overcast skies and a dry night.
However, neighbouring New Zealand has to contend with high winds and rain, resulting in flight disruptions today.
Air New Zealand has added extra flights for stranded travellers trying to get to Wellington, while at least 30 flights have been disrupted since this morning.
Wellington Airport said 17 arrivals and 15 departures were either cancelled or diverted.
Meanwhile, those in Auckland are gearing up for the New Year’s Eve festivities.
The Sky Tower will have a five-minute-and-30-second fireworks display as midnight strikes.
Some 500kg of pyrotechnics are expected to be launched from three firing sites at levels 55, 61 and 64 of the Sky Tower.
Celebrations are expected to be “dry” for Tokyo, Japan, as the Shibuya Countdown executive committee has again instituted its zero nuisance public drinking policy as well as cancelling its popular countdown event for the fourth consecutive year.
The event, traditionally held at the iconic crossing in front of Shibuya station, has historically been an attraction with the risk of overcrowding.
Shibuya’s famous digital screens will be shut down at 11pm today, an hour earlier than their regular cut-off time.
The city is urging local kiosks, convenience stores and retailers to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages. Public drinking is banned in the areas around Shibuya station from 6pm today to 5am tomorrow. – December 31, 2023
