Perth families flock to the foreshore as the city marks Australia Day public holiday with fireworks
Families put aside today’s chilly conditions to flock to the banks of the Swan River this evening, excited for the state’s biggest Australia Day fireworks display.
Langley Park was the place to be throughout the afternoon as crowds gathered early, many with Australian flags in hand, to enjoy the 1km of live entertainment and events before settling in to enjoy the main show on the Swan River.
The police were out in force, on motorcycles, on horseback, and on foot; no doubt on heightened alert following the bomb threat earlier in the day that led to the early end of the Invasion Day rally at Forrest Place.
While some were happy to settle in early on riverside picnic blankets, a steady crowd made the most of the multicultural festival, watching dance performances and snacking on food trucks while gasping at extreme motocross and BMX performances.
Children raced along the lush waterfront with show bags in hand, enjoying the excitement of carnival rides and sideshow street games.
The night culminated with the city’s annual Swan River Sky Show, dubbed “the biggest and best of the year”, where a dazzling audio-visual fireworks display and drone formations lit up the skies above Langley Park and told a quintessentially Australian story with explosions of color and sound.
Bennett and the Hancock family traveled from Baldivis for the event and brought with them Grandpa Bennett who was visiting from England.
Ms Bennett says she “can’t believe” she had to take off her sweater tonight. “It’s January! It’s never cold on Australia Day,” he said.
Monday’s unseasonable weather and maximum temperature of just 22 degrees was a big change from last year’s Australia Day, which was a balmy 32 degrees, but the unsettled weather did not dampen the spirits of revelers who gathered with family and friends.
Conditions were set to be a cool 19C just before the sky show’s start at 8.30pm.
For the Singh family, who came to town from Queens Park, Australia Day is all about spending time together; In fact, father-son Vikas and Raunak Singh wear the same matching t-shirts every year.
“It’s their little tradition,” Ms. Singh said. “They like to make people stop and notice, they’ve been doing this for a long time.”
City of Perth Mayor Bruce Reynolds said Australia Day events brought the community together.
“Our city shines best in the summer months. Events like Australia Day not only bring West Australians together, they also increase footfall and support local businesses across the city,” he said.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the Australian spirit than sharing the atmosphere along the iconic riverfront.”
