Fizzles, fizz and fireworks bring in New Year

New Year’s Eve went off with a fizzle not a bang for some Albany punters this year when a power outage left revellers in the dark in the lead-up to the midnight countdown.

City of Albany events and tourism co-ordinator Michelle Dayman said crowds were enjoying the New Year’s Eve family concert and fireworks on the Albany foreshore until the power outage forced the concert to finish 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.

However revellers were not disappointed, with the firework display doing what Western Power could not, lighting up the night sky at midnight.

The event drew a large crowd, a mass of human silhouettes lining the foreshore from the Entertainment Centre to Albany Peace Park.

The White Star Hotel’s Helen Simpson said it was a disappointing evening at the pub.

The venue was left without power and staff members were unable to serve alcohol to thirsty revellers for almost an hour-and-a-half until 11.30pm.

“It was really disappointing because there was a really good crowd at the pub, everyone was well-behaved and there was a good energy until the power went out,” she said.

Other parts of town were not affected by the power outage.

Liberte owner Kester Solomon said it was a massive night of glamour and elegance at the bar.

“At one point there were 300 people lined up to get inside, but it was a ticketed event so we couldn’t cater for those wanting to get in once the power went out elsewhere,” he said.

“We had stacks of cocktails, and large volumes of champagne – people from all spectrums of the town were enjoying cheaper bubbles right up to expensive French champagne.

“Liberte carries only four bottles of Dom Perignon at a time, but it sold out at $385 a pop, which is quite an achievement for a country town.”

Studio 146 owner Malcolm Pages said his nightclub was also busy early, as one of the few venues in town with power during the outage.

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