Sydney Harbour has been the centre of fireworks displays from the very early days of the colony. In December 1855 they were used to mark the Fall of Sebastopol, during the Crimean War. Military victories of the ‘mother country’ were celebrated with joy and pride by the many who still considered themselves British to the core.
The first images I can find of fireworks on the Harbour are from an event celebrating Federation (January 1 1901), a major step towards an Australian identity. A line of warships fired rockets, followed by a display from punts moored in Farm Cove and Macquarie Point;
‘The real showers of fire began. Innumerable rockets of indescribable beauty and wealth of colour were projected into the air, each bursting in a fresh design. Now the dark blue vault overhead was scored by myriad golden lines, as a display, resembling fiery rain burst forth, spread itself out in a cloud shape, and drifted, a gorgeous mass, before the light breeze……Now a superb mass of shooting stars was seen, each busting into a thousand other stars. each of which again, burst in turn to fragments of a hundred different hues. For over two hours this went on, the designs of the fireworks changing continually. At intervals, the display with which the warships opened the programme was repeated, the colours being changed….‘ (Gympie Times, Jan 10 1901)
The following pictures appeared in the Melbourne publication Punch;
Fireworks exploding around Fort Denison
Closing the show was a burst of 3,000 rockets. The finale was a set piece glowing with the simple sentiment ‘Good-night’. One man attending had left his young family at home due to safety concerns. Afterwards he said the spectacle was so amazing that he wept to think they had missed it.
A FIREWORKS FAIL!
For Denison featured again in less happy circumstances in 1946. To celebrate the end of WWII, a huge cache of fireworks was placed on the fort, intended to be let off over a thirty minute period. Unfortunately a spark from one of the first rockets to go up ignited the whole lot, resulting in a spectacular. thirty second explosion. Two people were injured, but it could have been much worse.
Welcoming the young Queen Elizabeth in 1954.
Source – Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 2 1954
A BRIDGE AS BACKDROP
The New Year’s Eve fireworks that centre on Sydney Harbour Bridge attract people from around the world….over a million around the foreshores this year, 2025. I was surprised to discover that the event is relatively new. The inspiration was the 100th anniversary of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, in 1983.
Harbour Bridge fireworks were a highlight of the Bicentennial celebrations on January 26 1988. My feelings about Australia Day are conflicted these days, but at the time it was so exciting, Our home had a harbour view and we held a party….with a cake cut by my nephew.
Celebrating a small milestone in an ancient land.
The last New Year’s Eve fireworks I saw in person were those of the 1999/2000 event celebrating the new millennium. It was very special, especially when a smiley face on the bridge changed to the copperplate emblem ETERNITY, a word with an association that means so much to Sydney-siders. Reformed alcoholic Arthur Stace secretly chalked this one word ‘sermon’ all over the city for many years. It was just perfect for the occasion and watching a replay still brings a lump to my throat. Asked why he had chosen the symbol, director of the celebrations Ignatius Jones commented; ‘It’s incredibly Sydney. It symbolized for me the madness, mystery and magic of the city.’
A tribute to a beloved Sydney character.
Let’s not forget our other iconic fireworks landmark;
Like most people, I love fireworks, although it does worry me that one day we may go too far. 😎
To watch a YouTube video of the Millennium fireworks, CLICK HERE.
FOR MORE ON ‘MR ETERNITY’ ARTHUR STACE.
