Ballina rings in the New Year with music, comedy and waterfront parties

BALLINA will be one of the Northern Rivers’ main party hubs this New Year’s Eve, with live music, comedy and late-night celebrations planned across the town.

The recently reopened Shaws Bay Hotel will host one of Ballina’s biggest events, with live music in the afternoon and DJ Danny B bringing high-energy party tunes through to midnight and beyond.

Northern Rivers favourite Lisa Hunt will also perform at the venue on New Year’s Day, with both shows free entry.

People looking for something different can head to the Ballina RSL Club for the Big Giggle New Year’s Eve Comedy Show, starting at 7pm.

The line-up includes comedians Ellen Briggs, Chris Radburn and Ben Stevenson, with tickets available through the club.

Further south, Lennox Head will also be busy on New Year’s Eve, with five-piece cover band Pistol Whip headlining entertainment at the Lennox Hotel.

They will take the stage from 8.30pm, with Ole Falcor playing folk-rock music earlier in the afternoon from 3pm.

In Lismore, Tropical Fruits is expected to attract hundreds of people to the Lismore Showground with its annual New Year’s Eve party, the highlight of the organisation’s three-day event.

The non-profit group has almost 40 years of history in the Northern Rivers and holds regular events for the LGBTIQ+ community.

There will be two main stages featuring live music, cabaret and a fireworks display, with this year’s theme centred on space cadets, including alien and space cowboy costumes.

“Tropical Fruits prides itself on being a fun, safe and inclusive social club,” an event spokesperson said.

“We invite members and guests to come and enjoy our events in a safe and respectful environment that embraces all the diversity of our community.”

The celebrations will include a campers’ party at the showground the night before, followed by a New Year’s Day recovery party.

Arts, stalls and workshops will also run throughout the event.

Closer to Lismore’s CBD, the Lismore Workers Club, Hotel Metropole and The Civic will be open with live music, with set times and featured bands to be announced on the venues’ Facebook pages.

Families are expected to flock to the Alstonville New Year’s Eve Family Festival at the showground.

The alcohol-free event will include rides, food, music and fireworks, with free onsite parking and $2 entry.

The festival wraps up at 10pm, with fireworks scheduled for 8.15pm, and families are encouraged to bring a picnic rug.