Counting down to New Year's Eve at Mooloolaba

The countdown to New Year's Eve has begun, with Sunshine Coast Council putting the final touches to the Mooloolaba beach fireworks and live music spectacular planned for Thursday.

Event manager Richie Eyles said the show would go on despite the unsettled weather, but concert-goers should bring a raincoat -- just in case.
 
The outdoor event features two stages of live music, including headline acts Kate Miller Heidke, The Black Sorrows, Lisa Hunt and A French Butler Called Smith.

The Musicians Association of the Sunshine Coast (MASC) will operate a second stage on the beach from 5pm featuring local acts Take Anthia, Hayden Hack, The Dawn Chorus, Drawcard, Mick McCombe and will finish off with the Coast's favourite Queen of Soul, Lisa Hunt.

Even the fireworks will cater for everyone -- with an early show at 8.30pm for the kids, followed by another display at midnight to welcome in 2010 with a bang, Mr Eyles said.

"This will be one beach party to remember, with the focus on everyone having a good time in a fun and safe environment," he said.

"The great line-up of entertainment will suit all tastes and it will staged in a safe family- friendly and alcohol-free environment."

The entertainment kicks off at 2pm with children's entertainment, face-painting, buskers and street performers and carnival rides.

Extra parking is available at Mooloolaba State School, but council encourages all concert-goers to use public transport -- the 600 bus between Caloundra and Sunshine Plaza is free over the holiday period.

Entry is by donation, with the money raised used to help clean up the site after the party is over.

VIP tickets are also available for $60, entitling holders to an exclusive viewing area close to the main stage, a prime viewing position for the midnight fireworks, nearby parking and the chance to rub shoulders with the artists. For more information and to purchase your VIP tickets visit www.mooloolabanye.com

Council is calling on anyone who would like to volunteer as helpers on the night to contact communityevents@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Council's New Year's Eve spectacular is only one of a number of New Year's Eve events planned across the Sunshine Coast, with other organisations planning events at Kawana's Stockland Park, Kings Beach and Noosa Marina at Tewantin.

New Year's Eve Spectacular

Council's New Year's Eve spectacular this year features top bands and two separate fireworks displays on Mooloolaba beach.

The free family concert will feature headline acts Kate Miller-Heidke and The Black Sorrows as well as American soul diva Lisa Hunt and Latin/funk band A French Butler Called Smith.

To make sure children get to see the fireworks, two fireworks displays are planned -- one sponsored by Energex at 8.30pm, and another at midnight.

Activities will kick off from 2pm and go into the evening with two stages of live entertainment, a beachside carnival, fire shows and roving performers.

The event is alcohol-free to allow families to welcome in 2010 in a safe environment.

Families are encouraged to take public transport, with the 600 bus from Caloundra to Maroochydore running a free service, courtesy of Travelsmart and Sunshine Coast Council.


New Year's Eve line-up to rock Mooloolaba

Crowd favourites Kate Miller-Heidke and The Black Sorrows are the headline acts at a free family New Year's Eve spectacular planned for Mooloolaba.

The line-up will also feature American soul diva Lisa Hunt and Latin/funk band A French Butler Called Smith, the Sunshine Coast Council announced today.

The New Year's Eve spectacular will feature two fireworks displays, one sponsored by Energex at 8.30pm, and another at midnight.

Activities will kick off from 2pm and go into the evening with children's entertainment, a beachside carnival, fire shows on the beach and roving performers.

There will be two stages of entertainment -- one at the southern end of the beach and another at the northern end.

Event Manager Richie Eyles said the event was alcohol-free to allow families to welcome 2010 in a safe and entertaining environment.

"Kate Miller-Heidke will bring in the New Year in her usual entertaining style," he said.
"And The Black Sorrows, featuring Joe Camilleri on vocals, will be a huge hit with the crowd."

He said Lisa Hunt and A French Butler Called Smith had wowed crowds at the Caloundra Music Festival in October.

Mr Eyles said this was only one of a number of New Year's Eve events planned across the Sunshine Coast, with other organisations planning events at Kawana's Stockland Park, Kings Beach and Tewantin.

"The Sunshine Coast is lucky to have a feast of entertainment options to suit all tastes this New Years Eve", said Mr Eyles.

Council is calling on anyone who would like to get involved in the Mooloolaba event by providing sponsorship, community food stalls, street performers or children's entertainment. Interested parties can contact council at communityevents@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au