A glittery, sequin-y New Year’s Eve planned for Melbourne

The City of Melbourne is digging into the Priscilla: Queen of the Desert playbook for New Year’s Eve 2023, promising a celebration like “no other” filled with glitz, glam and … sequins.

Featuring a fireworks and laser show that will light up the city across 27 CBD rooftops, the council is encouraging Melburnians far and wide to embrace this year’s theme, “All that sparkles”.

Viewable from anywhere the city skyline can be seen – including from one of four “Celebration Zones” in the CBD – the midnight moment will be accompanied by a choreographed eight-minute soundtrack curated by Melbourne-based producer DJ Matt Radovich.  

Family-friendly Celebration Zones will return to Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain, with young families and early birds able to enjoy a 9.30pm localised fireworks display.  

According to Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Melbourne is “rolling out the sparkling red carpet” for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other. 

“We’re setting the tone for the evening with our ‘All that sparkles’ theme. For the first time we’re lighting up Town Hall and the State Library with glittering projections, extending the New Year’s Eve festivities all the way down Swanston St,” the Lord Mayor said.  

We can’t wait to see merrymakers show off their finest glittering outfits, dusting off their disco balls and filling our world-class hospitality venues for the best night of the year.

“The best of our city will be on full display – with spectacular live music events, free family-friendly activities, sparkling projections and our not-to-be-missed fireworks and laser show.”   

“If you can see the city skyline, you’ll be able to marvel at our incredible fireworks and laser show.”

Major hospitality venues including Arbory Bar & Eatery, Afloat, HER, Marvel Stadium, and Blossom Rooftop, will all be joining in on the fun.  

More than half-a-million attendees are expected to join the city celebrations.

HQ group chief marketing officer Georgie Larkins said New Year’s Eve was her team’s “biggest and most colourful event of our summer season”.

“It’s the one time of year that our two riverside venues – Arbory Bar & Eatery and Afloat – join forces for one epic party along the Yarra. A colourful night of delicious, good and drink, dancing and music, there’s no better place to say goodbye to the year that was,” she said.

“We’re excited to see the city come to life for another sparkling New Year’s Eve.” •

For more information: melbourne.vic.gov.au