As Rotorua gears up for a night of New Year's Eve celebrations, the police are reminding people to take care of themselves and their friends.
The free Glo Festival, held at the Village Green tomorrow night, will feature a screening of family movie Moana, local entertainment, fireworks displays and headlineact Elemeno P.
Boost Fundraising & Events managing director Alia Ryan, who is organising the Glo Festival, said there was a strict ban on alcohol.
"The night is all about being a fun, safe, family event."
There will be two fireworks displays of equal length, one at 9.15pm and the other at midnight - both over Lake Rotorua.
Local acts Te Manaia Yates, Rehua Selwyn, Danielle Selwyn, Paretoroa Webster-Tarei and DJ Pete will all perform before headliner Elemeno P.
Ryan said the last-minute organisation was coming along nicely and it was shaping up to be a great night.
"The playground and the surrounding trees will be lit up as a glow zone, making it a real hybrid between the old Mardis Gras Festival and the Glo Festival from last year."
Glow festival organiser Alia Ryan is excited to see people down at the Rotorua Village Green on New Year's Eve. Photo / Stephen Parker
Winner of The Hits meet and greet with Elemeno P Lena Stirrup is particularly excited for the Glo Festival.
"We've been planning it for some months, for the whole family to be there," she said. "I am just ecstatic and a little bit stunned to also meet Elemeno P. I never win anything."
Stirrup has had a tough year and said this would end things on a "good note".
"I don't think I've ever met a band. I'd just love to thank the team at NZME who have made this possible."
For those over 18 Lava Bar is throwing its annual New Year's Eve party with this year's theme "Dirty Fantasia".
"We're always packed on New Year's Eve and we like to do a big countdown at midnight," bar manager Vanessa Martin said. "It's normally a really great night."
On Eat Streat bar owners are preparing for the spillover from the Glo Festival.
Ambrosia owner Kris Beehre said the bar would have a few drinks specials to go along with the festival.
"We'll be there for adults to wander down before, during or after the festival."
The fireworks at the Rotorua Glo Festival in 2016. Photo / File
Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy said the police wanted everyone to enjoy their New Year's Eve.
There is a liquor ban in the CBD, which includes the Village Green.
"It will be strictly enforced with everyone getting a $250 infringement fee for breaches."
St John's assistant director of operations - field operations Tony Devanney estimated its staff would attend nearly 2500 incidents across the country on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day combined.
"Our ambulance officers see many accident and emergency incidents that are preventable at this time of year," he said. "I encourage everyone to keep safe and to take care of each other."
What: The Glo Festival Where: Rotorua Village Green Cost: Free When: Tomorrow 6.30pm - family film screening of Moana About 8.15pm - performances from local acts About 9.15pm - fireworks display over the lakefront About 9.30pm - DJ Pete takes the stage before Elemeno P 12am - fireworks display over the lake
Advice for staying safe on New Year's Eve - Watch out for yourself and friends. - Drink only in moderation. - Arrange for a sober driver or public transport. - Take note of the liquor ban in the CBD. - Rotorua police
