Geelong in line for memorable send-off to 2022

THE City of Greater Geelong will send off 2022 with a bang, lighting up Corio Bay’s sky with two fireworks displays.

New Year celebrations kick off on December 31 at 9.30pm with the first show of fireworks before the traditional midnight display.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the inclusion of a second set of fireworks was a welcome addition to the end of year celebrations.

“You’ll be able to view the fireworks if you can see the skyline over Corio Bay, so there are many different vantage points to choose from when making New Year’s Eve plans.

“Council wishes the Greater Geelong community and the many visitors to our region during this time a wonderful night ahead and a happy and healthy 2023.”

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the two eight-minute fireworks displays will provide the perfect occasion to begin 2023.

“Our annual fireworks always bring a burst of colour and excitement to New Year’s Eve and are well worth checking out, however you plan to celebrate.

“Council is proud to be investing in these special celebrations to attract residents and visitors to central Geelong where they can support local businesses, with New Year’s Eve known as a massive night of trade.”

As part of the celebrations, Piano Bar’s Andy Pobjoy said his Little Malop Street-based business will be taking over Cunningham Pier for a fifth year, as hundreds of partygoers will get front row seats to the highly anticipated fireworks.

“We get a really different age bracket at our event at The Pier, it’s a really great occasion and as soon as the fireworks go off at midnight, everyone flocks to the window to see them,” Mr Pobjoy said.

“Geelong really is a beautiful place at this time of the year, we’re extremely lucky to live here.

“But similarly to 2021, when we happily said goodbye to that year, we are again saying goodbye to this year following the awful Omicron wave.

“Everyone is ready for one more big party before the year ends, and we’re excited to host the party to end all parties.”

Similar to last year, Mr Pobjoy expects another sell-out event at The Pier with a capacity of 800 people.

More information on the event can be found at pianobar.com.au

The following roads will be closed from about 8pm on Saturday December 31 until after midnight on Sunday, January 1, 2023:

Eastern Beach Road between Moorabool Street and Bellerine Street; and Yarra Street between Brougham Street and Eastern Beach Road, including the Yarra Street extension.