FIREWORKS are back for Canberra’s New Year’s Eve celebrations this year.

It’ll be the first time in three years the fireworks show will light up the heart of Canberra after 2019 and 2020’s celebrations were cancelled due to the bushfires and COVID-19.

For the first time, the fireworks will be launched from multiple pontoons across central, east and west basins and Canberrans are being invited to picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin from 6pm with the fireworks shows happening at 9pm and 12am.

Festivities will also feature local roving musicians and performance artists at selected locations around the foreshore, and local businesses are being encouraged to create New Year’s Eve events within lakeside venues, hotel rooftops and pop-up locations around the lake to maximise trading opportunities after the difficult lockdown.

The event will be operated under the guidance of ACT Health to deliver a COVID safe post-lockdown party for the Canberra community.

“It has been a difficult couple of years and Canberrans are ready to celebrate new beginnings,” said assistant minister for economic development Tara Cheyne.

“The New Year’s Eve event this year aims to bring our community together for much deserved fun and excitement as we say goodbye to 2021.

“With the easing of restrictions and our high vaccination rates, I hope this New Year’s Eve event will kickstart a return to major events in the capital.”