Glenelg Shire gets ready to light up New Year’s Eve

Published on 05 December 2023

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While Christmas Day approaches, New Year’s Eve isn’t far behind and once again the major towns in Glenelg Shire will be pulling out all the stops to see in 2024.

And community groups have also taken up the call to organise events, with Council providing $12,500 in extra funding through the 2023 New Year’s Eve grants, a new initiative by Council.

The annual New Year’s Eve festivities return to the Portland Foreshore from 5.30pm on 31 December, 2023.

The event kicks off with the Koondoom Yarkeen Indigenous Dancers before Jasmine Biadacz is the first of the musical acts to take the foreshore stage at 6pm.

Flynn Gurry will be next on about 7pm and then Little Georgia plays for 90 minutes from 8.30pm.

There will be free kids’ activities from Barr Amusements for three hours from 6pm.

Live music will also be a feature at the Gordon and Royal Hotels from 10pm to 1am.

As is traditional the first fireworks display will take place at the Northern Boat Ramp from 10pm, with the second one at midnight.

But it won’t just be Portland celebrating the New Year, with community-run events planned for Heywood and Casterton, financially supported by Council.

Casterton will actually celebrate ‘New Year’s Eve Eve’ with Party at the Park at Island Park from 3pm on Saturday, 30 December.

There will be market stalls, food, drink and a variety of live music.

Heywood will also include fireworks in its event on New Year’s Eve.

Council can also announce the successful recipients of New Year’s Eve event grants.

Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club will receive $2,500 to host the Casterton New Year’s Eve Eve event.

Barr Amusements will receive $2,500 for a pop-up inflatable playground for children’s entertainment at the Portland Foreshore New Year’s Eve event.

The Gordon and Royal Hotels in Portland will each receive $2,500 to put on live music after 10pm, while the Royal will also receive a further $2,500 for an afternoon family friendly event on New Year’s Eve.