Gisborne’s Fire in the Sky fireworks show ready to fly

The city rivers alongside Marina Park will light up again for the Walter Findlay 'Fire in the Sky' show to ring in 2026 New Year's night, and thousands are expected to watch. Photo / Paul Rickard

Thousands of dollars worth of fireworks will go up in smoke again on the first night of the New Year as Gisborne’s popular annual Walter Findlay ‘Family Fire in the Sky’ kicks off 2026.

The event has drawn an estimated 10,000 people to the city’s rivers around Marina Park in previous years.

Peel St Bridge, Reads Quay and Vogel St temporary road closures will be put in place for it.

The bridge will be closed to vehicles from 10am, January 1 to approximately 12am, January 2.

Pedestrians will be able to cross.

Reads Quay will be closed from Peel St to Lowe St from 3-10pm for vendors to set up and operate.

Vogel St and the Marina carpark will close from 3-10pm for vendors and fireworks.

A Gizzy Local spokesman said the celebration of the first evening of the year brings together locals and visitors for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

It will feature live music and a range of activities to complement the fireworks finale.

The free, family-friendly event has been a summer highlight in Gisborne for more than 20 years.

Performers on the night include Caden McGoverne, Grace McVey, Salem and Samantha Booth.

The build-up to the fireworks show commences at 6pm, January 1.