Wangaratta chronicle
Something for all ages, tastes to ring in the New Year

FOUR music acts, and other activities geared towards a range of audiences will help Rural City of Wangaratta residents, and visitors to the area, welcome the New Year on Tuesday, December 31.

The free-entry, council-organised event at the Wangaratta Showgrounds will be headlined by Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, with children's music group Teeny Tiny Stevies, indie-folk/blues and roots band Pierce Brothers and the local Scott & Amanda Band rounding out the bill.

Along with the musical line-up, activities at the venue from 5pm will include roaming performers, inflatables, laser tag, face-painting, hair-braiding and more.

To cater for all those keen to ring in the New Year, there will be two rounds of fireworks - at 9pm and at midnight.

At such a central, accessible venue, and with such a variety of performers, the event is set to attract not just locals eager to celebrate, but people from across the region.

Entertainment on stage will kick off with Teeny Tiny Stevies, which features sisters Beth and Byll Stephen in the ultimate live gig experience for young families.

Another sibling combination, Pierce Brothers comprises twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce, who have previously appeared at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues and will be stopping in the rural city while on their nation-wide tour.

Locals are well-acquainted with the Scott & Amanda Band, who will ramp up the energy levels and get the crowd on their feet before counting down to the first round of fireworks at 9pm.

They will warm the stage for Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, one of Australia’s most prolific and enduringly popular bands, who will bring in the New Year with a blast ahead of the second round of fireworks at midnight.

Gates open at 5pm at the Showgrounds on Tuesday, December 31. Tickets are not required for the event.

The evening is smoke, vape and drug free, with strictly no glass or BYO alcohol, and service animals only admitted - no pets.

Food and drink will be available to purchase.

For more information, visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/nye2024