Erin Pearson
NEW Year’s Eve on Geelong’s waterfront will undergo a major makeover this year to cater for inclement weather, according to organisers.
They have scratched the traditional waterfront site at Steampacket Gardens in favour of a covered event at a new venue on Cunningham Pier.
The Pier’s Sarah Birch said New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront would feature a masquerade ball on the pier with “linked entertainment” at other venues from Geelong to Newtown.
“We’ve reverted back to the original concept, New Year on the Pier, when people were really looking for a good party to go to with great entertainment at a great price and they will get that this year,” Ms Birch said.
“The new venue on Cunningham Pier also offered an opportunity to use inside space. Because of the inclement weather that hit us last year about 7pm, we wanted to play it safe.”
Ms Birch said the dress-up theme would replace a headline rock band to keep ticket prices down.
“We wanted to bring the prices right back down, so by removing the overheads of primitive fencing we’ve been able to take ticket prices down from $165 to $119.”
Ms Birch said a free family event would cater for up to 15,000 from 5.30pm to 9.30pm on the night.