Wild weather forecast prompts cancellation of Darwin Waterfront's New Year's Eve fireworks and concert

With Australia's major cities set to stage events celebrating New Year's Eve without pandemic restrictions for the first time since 2019, Darwin's official fireworks display and concert have been cancelled due to forecast severe winds and rain.

Following a severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology for potentially damaging winds across the Top End, as well as high rainfall totals, the Darwin Waterfront Corporation (DMC), which was set to host an event featuring performances by Bananas in Pyjamas and Birds of Tokyo - as well as two fireworks displays - cited safety concerns as their reason for cancelling.

In a statement released this morning, the DMC advised "we are disappointed the event cannot proceed as planned, but the safety of patrons, performers and contractors remains our top priority.

"We will continue to work with Birds of Tokyo and local artists to explore options to reschedule the concert for a later date and details will be provided in due course."

Darwin Waterfront Events and Marketing Coordinator Yasmine Welsh said on Thursday that the fireworks were still able to operate in wet weather, but not in severe wind, commenting "the only issue they will have is if it’s extremely windy and the wind is coming towards the crowd rather than away.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for potentially damaging winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour on Friday, stretching across the Top End.

Rainfall totals of up to 80mm were recorded in the greater Darwin area over the past 24 hours, with the rain and wind set to continue all weekend.

Darwin Waterfront restaurants remain open.