Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is putting the crackers back into Newcastle, calling for the city's midnight fireworks to return on New Year’s Eve in 2018.
Since Council made the decision to axe the midnight show in 2013 -- locals have only had a 9pm family-friendly display to look forward to.
Mr. Crackanthorp believes the state's second largest city really should host the ‘main event,’ saying it would be a huge boost for the local economy.
“Midnight fireworks could attract people from all around the Hunter if they put on a big show like they’re intending to do this year with I think $200 000 for the fireworks. It’s an enormous amount,” he said.
“If you had some of that at midnight, you’d have people staying overnight and all the economic boosts associated with that would benefit local businesses.
“We’re missing out on a lot of opportunity there to attract tourists back into the city.”
He says if Council wants Newcastle to make its mark on the world stage, a big event like midnight fireworks would surely help.
“We do want to become a global city in South East Asia and what global city does not celebrate the New Year with a big bang at midnight? It’s pretty well unheard off for such a large city.”
And he’s not the only one who wants to see a return of the midnight display. Locals are also eager to get the crackers back.
“Many residents have contacted me and said they want midnight fireworks brought back so I’m suggesting to Council that perhaps next year, they might want to do that.”
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| Image: Newcastle City Council |
