NSW: Winds force cancellation of 9pm fireworks

00-00-0000
NSW: Winds force cancellation of 9pm fireworks

By Kelly Nicholls

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - Strong winds forced the cancellation of the early evening fireworksdisplay at Sydney Harbour tonight, disappointing thousands of spectators, including manyfamilies.

Thousands of revellers, some of whom had camped out for hours were dismayed when thespectacular display failed to explode on schedule at 9pm.

It is believed to be the first time the show has been cancelled.

The early show had been cancelled due to safety concerns, a spokeswoman from the NewYear's Eve event organisers said.

However, the midnight fireworks were still scheduled to go ahead, she said.

"The fireworks were cancelled due to the potential fallout over the crowds on the Harbourforeshore," the spokeswoman told AAP.

"It's (the midnight display) all going ahead as planned."

The strong winds, gusting up to 45kph, or possible terrorist fears had kept the numbersof spectators down at the world-renowned fireworks show.

Police estimated that crowds were down by about 30 per cent on previous years.

With gusting winds blowing from the north from early today the number of boats whobraved the harbour were also down on last year.

Those who did turn out were forced to huddle in protected parts of the harbour.

The display that was cancelled was designed to capture the mood of the nation as itcrossed into 2003, Artistic Director Leo Schofield had said.

The early show and the midnight one, created around the theme of peace, was to use8,000 shells, 7,000 shooting comets and 80,000 individual pyrotechnic effects.

There was no major exodus after the cancellation with most partying on until the 12midnight show.

Ben Connolly, from Gosford had been at forefront of Opera House with three mates since 6am.

They had left Gosford at 4am to get the prime spot.

"We are shattered, we've been counting down the hours for ages. We got a call at 9.15pmsaying it was all off it was just shattering."

To fill up the time they are playing cricket and twister.

"We are hoping and praying it (the midnight fireworks) will go ahead."

Record numbers of police officers were on duty and no major incidents were reported.

Earlier in the evening a crash involving two buses and a car caused some congestionon the Harbour Bridge when four people sustained minor injuries.

Despite the more comfortable numbers this year some found getting a prime positionfor the harbour show took as much dedication as ever.

Ziggy Wath said he had been guarding his waterfront position on Circular Quay's westernboardwalk since 2pm.

"It's Chinese torture from 2pm to the first show to keep a good spot", he said.

One group of English backpackers armed with 20 litres of wine said they were not concernedabout terrorist threats.

"We have heard about it (the possibility of terrorism) but it could happen anywhere,"

John Gallisant said.

"You can get killed crossing the road."

City roads were closed and security was at its tightest since the Olympics.

But even a subdued party does not come without its baggage.

An extra 65,000 tonnes of rubbish were expected to be generated by crowds with theCity of Sydney Council hiring an additional 65 street cleaners on top of its regular staffof 50.

AAP kn/arb/sb

KEYWORD: EVE NSW SECOND NIGHTLEAD