A sophisticated, stylish way to ring in the new year
Image: Celebration NYE 14/15 was a huge success. (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
SOPHISTICATED and stylish, Celebration NYE is the only LGBTI-friendly New Year’s Eve party on Sydney’s world-famous harbour.
According to the City of Sydney, there were over one million people that watched the two fireworks displays around the Sydney Harbour Foreshore in 2014. It’s no wonder that the city has become a “bucket list” addition for so many people around the world.
Regarded as a highlight of the LGBTI social calendar, the annual Celebration NYE party is held on the rooftop of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay and provides a safe, exclusive space way above the crowds.
“People want to feel safe and comfortable. They want to be able to get a New Year’s Eve kiss from their partner — or cute tourist they have just met — without having to worry if they are going to get a can in the back of the head,” said Adam Bold from Points of Difference Events, the group responsible for organising the party.
“Celebration is a gay safe space, an oasis above the madness of the crowd milling around the harbour. It also allows us to offer our international guests a welcoming space that really does showcase our gorgeous city and harbour.
“We have had people in tears of joy watching the fireworks.”
As with previous years, there is a dress theme. Partygoers are encouraged to glam up and dress to impress — suits are sexy and cocktail dresses are a must — in colours of black, gold and/or pink. To keep things comfortable, capacity is limited to only 300 party goers. With the event selling out in previous years, organisers expect the same this year.
The event in the past has attracted high-profile DJs, such as UK-based DJs Wayne G and Adam Watts, as well as stalwart Australian DJs Mark Alsop and Murray Hood. This year is going to be no different, with Sydney DJs du jour Dan Murphy and Alex Taylor coming on board.
“Alex will kick off the evening with a smooth laid-back cocktail set that will lead into Dan’s set, taking the party home,” Bold said.
In addition, as a feature of the evening both DJs will take part in a “battle royale” of sorts, both Murphy and Taylor spinning back-to-back.
“To my knowledge the two of them have never gone head-to-head, or is that back-to-back, before,” Bold said.
“I will be laying the challenge by picking a theme that both of them have to work to.
“In the end I’m looking for a complete celebration of style and substance as we get the crowd warmed up for the midnight rockets.”
Unlike so many other parties around Sydney Harbour, tickets for Celebration NYE include a delicious food and beverage package with substantial canapés, food stations and buffet, plus plenty of bubbles to keep you in the party mood.
But more importantly, you get best the best views of the fireworks on the harbour, and you get to spend the night with amazing company.
Celebration NYE15/16
When: December 31, 2015; 8pm-2am
Where: The Sculpture Terrace and Cafe, Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay, Sydney
Details: including videos and pictures of the amazing views, visit pointsofdifference.com
