Fire in the Sky gets a 2016 revamp

HAPPY NEW YEAR!: Fireworks illumanting the three rivers on the first of January to welcome in 2015. The Walter Findlay Ltd Quality Bakers of Gisborne Fire in the Sky event is back again this new year with a few exciting improvements. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

LASER lights, ultraviolet lights and 10,000 glow sticks . . . Fire in the Sky has had a makeover this year.

The Walter Findlay Ltd Quality Bakers of Gisborne Fire in the Sky event each New Year's Day has been sponsored by the bakers since 2002.

That remains the same and spectators can still expect a spectacular fireworks display. What will be different is the entertainment.

People can expect a much more updated food menu on the aptly named Eat Street along Reads Quay, more for the kids to do at Bounce City and an array of street and musical performers.

Walter Findlay representative Alyx Findlay says the show this year will be focused on different light concepts.

“In 2000 there was the River of Light festival. The idea was to take it back to that same concept.”

In addition to the fireworks there will be a laser light show and a white waka performance, lit by UV lights along the bank.

Gisborne District Council will give away 10,000 free glow sticks. Ms Findlay says Fire in the Sky is about family and the community coming together.

“Fire in the Sky is about welcoming the new year in. It is an event where everyone just gets to enjoy the fireworks. They are magical and everyone can sort of just forget their problems for a moment.

“The event is full of hope and togetherness.”

As always, the fireworks are choreographed to a sound track. This year it is made up of popular songs from 2015.

“It is going to be a really cool event.”

Fire in the Sky will start at 6pm, with fireworks scheduled for 10.15pm. The event is free to attend.