The ABC is once again set to deliver a New Year’s Eve celebration worthy of the global stage, blending music, culture and fireworks into a spectacle that unites the nation.
Broadcasting live from the Sydney Opera House’s Northern Boardwalk on Tuesday, December 31st, this year’s event will light up screens and spirits starting at 8:30pm AEDT on ABC TV, ABC iview and ABC Local Radio.
Back to guide the countdown are hosts Charlie Pickering, Zan Rowe, and comedian Concetta Caristo, who will keep the night flowing with their signature charm and humour. And for a quirky twist, science legend Dr Karl will demystify the magic behind Sydney’s iconic fireworks.
This year’s program will feature a special Calling Country performance, curated by triple j Blak Out host Nooky, that celebrates Indigenous history and culture. The piece, inspired by Barangaroo, the Cammeraygal fisherwoman whose legacy lives on in Australia’s storytelling, will include animations projected onto the Harbour Bridge and an original song calling for unity and progress.
The performance leads directly into the 9pm Calling Country fireworks, bringing together visuals, music, and meaning in a powerful way.
The post-fireworks concert lineup is as diverse as it is exciting, showcasing some of Australia’s biggest names and international stars: Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey, teaming up as Fanning Dempsey National Park, the inimitable Casey Donovan, a staple of New Year’s celebrations, 2024’s breakout star Cyril, whose hits have defined the year, Korean-Australian rap crew 1300, bringing their unique sound to the fore, hip hop dynamo Nooky, fresh from his ARIA win, rising R&B artist Becca Hatch, who continues to captivate with her soulful performances, 2024’s ARIA Song of the Year winner G Flip and country music powerhouse Randy Houser, injecting a dose of Nashville flair.
Adding to the nostalgia, triple j will launch its 50th anniversary celebrations, revisiting some classic Hottest 100 tracks and iconic moments from the station’s history.
The night will culminate in the City of Sydney’s world-famous fireworks, a dazzling display that will paint the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and skyline in a symphony of colour as Australia bids farewell to 2024 and rings in 2025.
Whether you’re in the thick of it on Sydney Harbour or watching from across the globe, the ABC has you covered. The NYE 2024 concert will broadcast across the entire ABC network including ABC TV and streamed live on ABC iview and across ABC socials. The midnight fireworks will also feature audio descriptions for vision-impaired audiences, ensuring everyone can experience the magic.
As the final countdown to 2025 begins, the ABC’s New Year’s Eve celebration promises a night that’s as much about reflection and connection as it is about fireworks and music. It’s the ultimate way to say goodbye to one year and hello to the next.