‘Apocalyptic’ Aussie NYE scenes shock attendees: ‘Hunger games have begun’
As Australians around the country bring in the New Year, there have been some controversial reactions to how people are choosing to say goodbye to 2023.
While New Year’s Eve celebrations usually conjure up images of stunning sequin dresses, free-flowing champagne and an impressive fireworks display, some have pointed out the “sad truth” of the highly-anticipated holiday.
Read on for the latest.
9pm fireworks wow in Sydney
The first batch of fireworks to mark the start of a new year have exploded over Sydney, with the 9pm show putting on a dazzling display of sparkling light and color.
For UK tourist Ben Scammell, it was a “breathtaking” sight to see.
“It was exactly what we wanted to see,” he told NCA NewsWire after the display.
“Everywhere you looked, there was light everywhere and there were patterns we had not seen before.
“If that’s 9pm, we can’t wait for 12pm.”
Thousands crammed into Sydney’s CBD for the iconic show, with the police warning all viewing spots in the city and North Sydney were full.
Ben and his friend Lewis arrived at the Opera House and 8am and he said the wait had “definitely” been worth it.
“We’re having a really good time,” he said.
“Surrounded by people, sharing their food. Vietnamese people, Taiwanese people, sharing stories.”
The fireworks show went on for about 10 minutes.
‘Apocalyptic’ scenes in Sydney Harbour
As a million people flood into Sydney in anticipation for the New Year, shocking scenes emerging on social media reveal what it is truly like in those prime firework positions.
TikTok user Ash said she “regret” her decision to flock into Circular Quay as she had to wait almost two hours to use the portable toilets.
“I am really rethinking my choices at the moment,” she said, after posting a clip of the mass of spectators waiting for the fireworks.
“I’ve been waiting for the toilet for almost two hours, I am regretting it.”
In another clip, she described the crowds as being “apocalyptic” and like something out of the Hunger Games.
According to the City of Sydney’s X, formerly Twitter, page, all vantage points across the city are now full.
Are we officially ‘over’ the fireworks?
More than 8.5 tonnes of fireworks are planned for this year’s Sydney firework displays at 9pm and 12pm, with a 60 man crew and over 11km of cable needed for the event.
The City of Sydney’s fireworks director, Fortunato Foti, said spectators could expect a slightly different show this year, with displays featuring bright white, peach, lime, silver, gold, violet, yellow, burnt orange, pink and blue fireworks.
But while cities and towns across Australia gear up to put on firework displays to welcome 2024, many have spoken out against the tradition due to the environmental impact and the havoc the explosives can have on pets and wildlife.
Famous TV veterinarian Dr. Katrina Warren explained that more pets will go missing on New Year’s Eve than on any other time in the year.
“It can be terrifying for pets, the fireworks, the flashes of light and the sound,” she explained on a TikTok video.
“I’m begging you to please keep all pets indoors this evening, and get them inside before dusk.”
Cats like to wander as it likes to get dark, and often people can’t find them when they need to.
“Bring pets indoors, close the blinds and curtains, put on some music – classic music is great – to mask the sound of the fireworks.
“Make sure they are somewhere that is cool, ventilated, safe and secure.”
Many shared their frustrations with the annual event, with some even wishing that the fireworks were banned.
“I had a huge fight with Ryde council a couple of years ago about their overuse of explosives and how much stress they cause the wildlife and pets,” one said.
“My two indoor tabbies are terrified of them and it makes me sick with stress.”
“I have a dog that needs to be medicated during the fireworks because he is so scared,” another shared.
“He shakes and produces so much saliva. We tried everything and medication was the last resort.”
“Fireworks need to be banned! How about a laser show or something similar?” one suggested.
“It is so cruel what we do to animals each year.”
“Can’t be bothered”
Sydneysider Carla Awad was praised after sharing what many have called a “super relatable” video where she detailed her thoughts regarding tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Is anyone else not vibing going out on New Year’s Eve,” she asked her audience in a TikTok clip.
“I just can’t be bothered. Any sequin skirts, dealing with drunk imbeciles, driving for over an hour to get to a place and find parking.
“I’ve looked up all the events in Sydney and there is literally nothing interesting. I don’t want to get stuck in crowds, bumped and pushed against people and overstimulated in general.”
Carla said that while there are some cool things happening in other cities around the world, she does not feel that Sydney is the place to be for New Year’s Eve.
“For the time being, I’m going to plan a really nice night in,” she said.
“New Year’s Eve is so overrated, at least in the way it is expected to be celebrated.
“I feel like I just want chill vibes.”
Hundreds applauded and mirrored her reaction, saying they had zero desire to set foot outside the house to celebrate the New Year.
“It just doesn’t hit the same anymore,” one said.
“Plus, everyone is just broke and over it.”
“Having some friends over is the move, plus getting home is a nightmare plus the crowds,” another commented.
“Girl same, I’m having a wholesome night in for the first time, I’m just not feeling it this year,” one TikTok user added.
“Nobody I know is going out.”
“Lame”: Locals react to fireworks crowd
While many are staying in, there was no shortage of people getting up in the early hours of the morning to secure the perfect vantage point to watch the iconic Sydney fireworks.
Many of the most popular spots were already at capacity by midafternoon, with more than one million expected to flood into the city today in total.
With keen revelers forming an unbelievable sea of people on the ground, many on social media have slammed the event and asked why anyone would bother to wait for the fireworks.
“Sydney fireworks are 100% for tourists,” one commented.
“I don’t know a single Aussie who has seen them more than once.”
“Sydney NYE is the worst experience ever,” another said.
“I hope it rains and the fireworks will be covered by a cloud,” someone commented.
“Do they know it’s free on TV and you can go straight to bed after?” one user shared.
“Good luck trying to get home, you will all be out until 4am.”
“Waiting 15 hours to see fireworks is insane,” another added.
“How lame. I’d rather watch them at home.”
Others disagreed, with some sharing the staggering lengths they had gone to secure a good spot.
“I’ve been in my spot since 8am yesterday,” one said.
“What can I say, I really like my fireworks.”
“This has been on my bucket list for years,” another added.
“I don’t care what it takes, I’m so excited to be here.”
There will be up to 1000 accredited personnel behind the scenes and 250 volunteers making sure everything runs smoothly for the celebrations. Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said a lot of preparation had gone into the evening.
“Our New Year’s Eve team and pyrotechnic experts have been working on tonight’s event for the past 15 months, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever,” she said.
“We’re expecting a million people around the foreshore tonight, so if you’re coming into the city, early via public transport, pack food and water, and wear good walking shoes.
“If you’re staying at home, tune in to our fantastic broadcasts on ABC TV and KIIS FM.
“Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, there’s no doubt that Sydney will be at its best tonight as we count down to the dawning of a new year.”
