Welcoming in the New Year

New Year celebrations in Tauranga will follow the same format as last year with an early evening celebration and fireworks on The Strand, followed by a midnight display.

An indoor youth event at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre will also be part of the celebrations.

Earlier this year Mayor Greg Brownless said he was confident a city-wide and safety-focussed take on New Year's Eve was the way to go for Tauranga.

'Last year's family-friendly approach has proven we're on the right track, with many enjoying the early waterfront celebrations and the traditional midnight fireworks.

'Our focus is on creating a family-friendly, community-focused New Year's Eve atmosphere that can be enjoyed and celebrated by all in a safe way.”

The alcohol-free event on The Strand gets underway at 6pm on December 31 with a Mayor's barbecue, a glow show, roving performers, samba, games and more. The event will be topped off with 9.30pm fireworks. There will also be a midnight fireworks display.

The council is also hosting a Silent Disco at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre for youth aged 14-17 years from 8.30pm to 12.30am.

Three DJs will battle it out at the disco, which will see young people wearing an individual set of wireless headphones and choosing which genre of music they want to listen to, whether it be hip hop, old school anthems or house music.

There will also be a laser light show at midnight. Tickets are $20 and include entry to the venue, headphone hire and a bus ride to and from the event on specified routes. Book online at: www.eventspronto.co.nz/silentdisco

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