Sydney pyrotechnic experts put finishing touches on fireworks display for New Year’s Eve
Image: Fortunato Foti, of Foti Fireworks International, the team behind Sydney's New Year's Eve firework celebration
by GRACE JOHNSON
As transport officials and police brace for Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in years, the team behind the fireworks display is putting final touches on what will be yet another impressive show.
Sydney’s firework display on New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest and most technically advanced in the world. With the government having scrapped the ticketed system, more than one million people are expected to gather at harbour venues.
It takes a pyrotechnic team of 60 people from Foti Fireworks International 12 days on-site to set up 18 shipping containers of equipment and fireworks on barges, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and 5 city building rooftops.
Linked to 15 computers and more than 25km of wiring and cables, over 8.5 tonnes of fireworks will be launched across two displays, at 9pm and midnight.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO, said “We’ve been working with Foti International to create another spectacular show this year using pyrotechnic effects that will amaze and delight crowds.”
“They are working tirelessly for a night to remember with their incredible and innovative fireworks displays.”
Behind the pyrotechnic company is Fortunato Foti, a 7th generation pyrotechnician whose family has been making fireworks since 1793.
“We started working on Sydney New Year’s Eve back in 1997, and we quickly learnt what works best for a show of this size and scale,” Fortunato said.
“We’ve reached a point where each year we walk away thinking ‘that was the best show we’ve ever done’ – and really, that just spurs us on to do even better the following year.
“This year the displays will feature bright white, peach, lime, silver, gold, violet, yellow, burnt orange, pink and blue fireworks, as well as the crowd favourite colour-changing fireworks and some other surprises.”
Music also plays a critical role in the overall experience of the show.
“We design the show to flow with the mood of the music, in essence aiming to make the fireworks appear like they’re dancing to the music,” Fortunato said.
“We’ve meticulously planned the 9pm and midnight fireworks to perfectly synchronise with each show’s specially created soundtrack.”
For those planning to stay at home, you can see Sydney shine on TV or online. ABC TV will broadcast live from Sydney Harbour at 8.30pm. The 9pm and midnight fireworks will also be live streamed on the official website and on ABC iview.
