Tropical Fruits to light up Lismore as region celebrates New Years Eve events

TROPICAL Fruits is set to attract hundreds of people to the Lismore Showground with its annual New Year’s Eve party, the highlight of the 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 with live music, cabaret and a fireworks display.

The theme this year is space cadets, with dress-ups to include aliens and space cowboys.

“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.”

There will be a campers’ party at the showground the night before, followed by a New Year’s Day recovery party.

The showground will also host arts, stalls and workshops as part of the event.

Tickets and more information can be found at tropicalfruits.org.au/events/nye.

Closer to town, the Lismore Workers Club, Hotel Metropole and The Civic will be open with live music.

Set times and featured bands will appear on the venues’ Facebook pages before the night.

Meanwhile, the recently reopened Shaws Bay Hotel will be one of the main party hubs in Ballina.

There will be live music in the afternoon, with DJ Danny B bringing high-energy party tunes through to midnight and beyond.

Northern Rivers favourite Lisa Hunt will also play a show on New Year’s Day, with both nights free entry.

Five-piece cover band Pistol Whip will headline the entertainment at the Lennox Hotel.

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

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

There will be rides, food, music and fireworks, with free onsite parking and $2 entry.

The event finishes at 10pm, with the fireworks display scheduled for 8.15pm.

It is an alcohol-free event, with families encouraged to bring a picnic rug to sit on.

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

The show starts at 7pm and features comedians Ellen Briggs, Chris Radburn and Ben Stevenson. Tickets can be purchased at ballinarsl.com.au