Thousands enjoy Fire in the Sky

VISUAL FEAST: A crowd of up to 10,000 enjoyed a spectacular display of fireworks at the Walter Findlay Ltd Fire in the Sky to welcome in the New Year on Tuesday night, January 1. Pictures by Liam Clayton

A fireworks extravaganza topped off a perfect Gisborne day as the city celebrated the first day of 2019.

The night sky was the stage for a spectacular display as thousands lined the banks of the Waimata, Turanganui and Taruheru rivers to enjoy the Walter Findlay Ltd Fire in the Sky event.

Organiser Rob Coe-Tipeni of Good Karma said this year’s show was “the best one yet”.

“It all went really smoothly.”

The event was divided into different zones, with a children’s zone called Bounce City at the Rose Gardens.

There were inflatable castles, face painting, air brush tattoos and DJ Murdurrah played kid-friendly tunes.

For the general audience, musical acts Sun and Rise, Jasmine Taare, Ora Taukamo, The Pines and Sugar & Soul played at the Rotunda.

“Eat Street” on Reads Quay had about 25 food vendors catering to the large crowd.

“There was drone racing over the river, which was really popular, as well as waka ama races,” said Mr Coe-Tipeni.

He estimates a crowd of up to 10,000 people enjoyed the fireworks display, sponsored by Walter Findlay Ltd and delivered by pyrotechnic experts Fireworks Professionals.

This family-friendly event has been running since 2002 and is a co-production between Gisborne District Council, Good Karma and Walter Findlay Ltd.