TO herald the New Year, the ACT Government is hosting two free events in the city.

Civic Square will be the venue of a family-friendly, all-ages concert from 7pm, with performances by Melbourne six-piece band Saskwatch and two local favourites, Los Chavos and The Advocates.

State-of-the-art firework displays will go off with a bang at 9pm and midnight, set to a soundtrack.

It’s been a busy year for Saskwatch, with the release of its third album “Sorry I Let It Come Between Us” and the departure of three band members.

“We are now a six-piece band, from an original nine. We are the same, strong band as before. We used to be a soul band but our music has moved towards rock, with more guitars rather than horns,” says Nkechi.

Nkechi says that Saskwatch spent half of this year touring the country as the support band for The Rubens, and the New Year’s Eve performance will feature lots of music from their new album.  

The line-up features DJs Jake Raven, Hudak and Felixx. DJ Tigerlily, best known for her hit single “Paradise”, will headline the concert and take over the decks in the lead into the midnight countdown. This year, DJ Tigerlily has toured locally and internationally, released new singles and her first video clips. She says 2016 will see her moving to LA. After four years, she says it’s the right time to take the next step and tour in the US.

“Everytime I come to Canberra, the shows are always lots of fun and there is such a great response from the crowd,” she says.

“New Year’s Eve is all about the set list. I’ll be playing hits as well as some classics, to bring people together with good vibes and good music.”

Both the Civic Square and Garema Place events are alcohol-free and ACTION Buses will operate the Nightrider service.

New Year’s Eve is also the last chance to the see the world-record-breaking SIDS & Kids ACT Christmas Lights in the City.