More than 550,000 revellers are expected to pack the city centre for New Year's eve. Source: HeraldSun
THE city is firing up for a massive New Year's Eve with two semi-trailer loads of fireworks on standby to illuminate the skyline.
On the stroke of midnight, 22 firing sites across 16 rooftops will be triggered simultaneously as never-before-seen effects signal the start of the new year.
It comes as more than 550,000 revellers are expected to pack the city centre.
A range of pyrotechnic-infused celebrations will take place at four key places including Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain.
Display director Andrew Howard, whose pyrotechnics company, Howard and Sons, has been developing the display for nine months, said it would be the widest fireworks show in Australia.
"Wherever you turn your head, you'll see a spectacular show," Mr Howard said.
"There will be plenty of oohs and ahhs. There is a great rainbow-chasing sequence across the city buildings.
"I think everybody will be pretty impressed."
Mr Howard, who has run the show since 2001, said the team would be ready to tackle Melbourne's weather.
"The forecast for New Year's Eve is looking fantastic but in the past, we've worked through very hot conditions, very windy conditions and flash storms," he said.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said this year's $3 million event could break records.
"We could well see a crowd in excess of 550,000, perhaps the biggest crowd ever," Cr Doyle said.
He added the addition of Kings Domain ensured the city was covered from all angles for great views and that crowds were dispersed safely.
"If you do have pets that are afraid of fireworks then take the advice from the RSPCA and keep them inside and keep them feeling assured," Cr Doyle said.
He also encouraged people to avoid driving on the night, and urged the use of public transport instead.
Police will increase their presence statewide and protective services officers will be at train stations.
Public transport will run all night and is free from 6pm for metropolitan services until the first regular service on New Year's Day.
Regional travellers will ride free on V/Line services where touch-on occurs after 6pm.
The City of Melbourne's New Year's Eve event is alcohol free.
christopher.gillett@news.com.au
MELBOURNE TIPPED AS CELEBRITY HOT SPOT
STARS will ring in the new year with a spectacular fireworks show and plenty of bubbly, as Melbourne gears up for its biggest celebrations to date.
Record crowds are tipped to hit the city ready to party, while many of our local celebrities, including Harry Kewell and wife Sheree Murphy, are kicking up their heels and heading to Crown's Club 23 VIP party to watch Melbourne's fireworks display.
Alex Davis said she and fiance Scott Pendlebury were excited to be in Melbourne for their first New Year's Eve as a newly engaged couple after the Collingwood star popped the question in October.
"It's the first year in ages we haven't been overseas for somebody else's wedding," the model said. "Melbourne is where we want to be."
Alex Davis getting into the party sprit at Crown's Club 23. Source: News Limited
Elsewhere, the Arts Centre will host the New Year's Eve Concert starring Marina Prior and James Morrison, joined by the Australian Pops Orchestra.
At Crown, the Palladium will go jungle with Cirque du Soleil performers in a themed event for 1500 people.
Revellers can dance the night away at the Love NYE party, including 40 DJs spread across six rooms.
Crown Riverwalk will have roving entertainment throughout the night.
St Kilda will once again be a hot spot for parties, with Havana Brown headlining DJ Grant Smillie's annual party at Riva, while Em Rusciano will host the second-annual Together party at Circa.
Winners and Losers actor Virginia Gay will join Geoff "Coxy" Cox on Channel 7's coverage of the night.
Molly Meldrum will also deliver his trademark music wrap for 2013.
The Summadayze Music Festival has been cancelled, however Riva and Carousel will both host New Year's Day parties.
Channel 7’s New Year’s Eve telecast presenters Lee Chan, Virginia Gay and Emily Angwin. Picture: Chris Scott Source: News Limited
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY GUIDE
Melbourne's fireworks spectacular
* Launches at 22 sites
* Nine months in the planning
* 44 pyrotechnicians on the night
* It costs $340,000 for the 10-minute show
* More than 7km of fencing will be rolled out to keep audiences safe
* Official fireworks soundtrack is simulcast live on 99.7FM
Midnight fireworks
* Live sites will operate from Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain
* The event is alcohol free and fines apply
* The fireworks can be seen anywhere the city skyline is visible
Family fun
* Free activities and entertainment will start at Yarra Park from 6pm with fireworks at 9.30pm
* The Yarra Park live site can be accessed via Jolimont and Richmond train stations
* Activities include music, face painting and workshops where children can make instruments
More details: Melbourne.vic.gov.au/nye
Transport
* Public transport is free across Melbourne from 6pm until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day
* Flinders St and Southern Cross stations will operate after midnight
* The other stations in the loop will be closed
* Regional train travellers ride free on services where touch on occurs after 6pm
More information go to ptv.vic.gov.au
Where to see the fireworks
* Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain and Yarra park (family fireworks 9.30pm)
Other top viewing locations
* Northcote, St Kilda, Williamstown, Maribyrnong, Flemington, Port Melbourne
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