GLITTER STRIP DEFIES STORM TO WELCOME 2024
Thousands packed out the Gold Coast beachfront and party strip in Surfers Paradise for New Year’s Eve despite the rain coming in and a thunderstorm threat to fireworks.
It forced the 8pm fireworks in the tourism hub to kick off slightly earlier and sparked brief concern that the traditional midnight show might be affected.
But the thunderstorm warning earlier in the night was eventually cancelled and the show in the sky went ahead as planned to ring in 2024, delighting those who stuck around.
One Bulletin reader Mia Mohya said: “It was all amazing! Thank you for the fireworks. Felt so alive between the fireworks and a storm.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate made the decision earlier in the week to proceed with fireworks saying it had been a hell of a year and it was important for families and kids that they went ahead.
Venues across the Glitter Strip were already packed by 5pm as partygoers got ready to ring in the new year in style.
Crowds lined the sand across the Gold Coast in the early evening, soaking up the last sunset for 2023, with the heat and humidity and storm threat not enough to stop the celebrations.
Carla Mayman and her family flew up from Bendigo in Victoria on Saturday to ring in the new year in the tourism capital.
“We used to holiday here a lot and the kids can’t remember it so we thought before they fly the nest, we’ll come back and enjoy it,” Ms Mayman said.
“Yesterday was SeaWorld, we’ve been at the beach today and eight more days to come. The weather is beautiful and where else would you want to be?”
The Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club was fully booked late into the night, according to manager Luke Beattie, who said he hadn’t seen crowds like it since before Covid.
“It’s amazing. The veranda is packed, upstairs is packed,” he said.
“I’ve been speaking to everyone in the Cavill Mall and they’re the same, we haven’t had this many people out here in years.”
Lightning and storms were again looming over the city but Mr Beattie said that wouldn’t stop the party.
“I think everyone is glad to be able to get out and be together.”