The fireworks might be cancelled but the Paterson New Year's Eve Festival is going full steam ahead.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Tucker Park event attracts around 3000 people to ring in the new year and Paterson Rotary Club president Cath Varcoe said this year the organising team is committed to provide a great family night.
"Given the severe drought conditions that have been affecting many people in our district and the greater part of the NSW and the prevailing high fire risk conditions, after consultation with Dungog Shire Council the board has taken the decision to cancel the fireworks display for this year's New Year's Eve Festival," she said.
"We intend however to continue with the event as a fun and family evening with music and all the other activities that normally occur.
"Proceeds from the event are usually directed to local community projects, however for this year we have decided to direct any profits to those affected by the recent devastating bushfires via the Rotary World Community Service (RAWCS)."
Revellers can bring their own picnic or buy food and drink while listening to live music from the Outback Hippies. There will be a jumping castle, laughing clowns, a slippery slide, face painting, body tattoos and more.
We intend to continue with the event as a fun and family evening with music and other activities
- Cath Varcoe, Paterson Rotary president
The gates will open at 4pm with the live music from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.
To reflect the absence of the fireworks displays this year the gate entry will be $5 for a family.
Ms Varcoe said the decision to cancel the fireworks may impact attendance numbers although organisers were confident there is such broad community support for the event as a safe, fun and family evening, they still expect a good turnout.