More New Years news from around the world…
Newport sky may remain dark on New Year’s Eve [The Providence Journal]
Will the City-by-Sea’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration become the economy’s next casualty? First Night Newport, with its fireworks display over the harbor and family-oriented performances downtown, won’t be held for the first time in 15 years if the nonprofit group can’t raise $30,000 by Dec. 1. (full story)
If you’re looking for a family friendly New Years Eve, you should check and see if there are any First Night events in your city. First Night was started in Boston in 1976 and has since spread to over 111 cities around the world. From their web site:
First Night seeks to foster the public’s appreciation of visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse and high quality New Year’s Eve program which provides a shared cultural experience, accessible and affordable to all…
First Night is a community celebration of the New Year through the arts. It is an alcohol-free, public festival that marks the passage from the old year to the new with art, ritual and festivity. All First Night Celebrations are licensed by First Night International and adhere to a set of standards.
First Night Celebrations offer a wide variety of artists with a broad range of appeal. They are held in both indoor and outdoor venues in close proximity to each other. Affordable admissions Buttons provide entry to all First Night performances.
New Year’s Eve is a time for renewal and new beginnings. It is an opportunity for the community to look ahead collectively with hope and optimism and appreciate their common bonds. The name “First Night” symbolizes this look forward rather than the technically correct words, “Last Night.”
It’s a great organization and provides an alternative to many of the alcohol-inspired New Years events. The Boston First Night is still the largest, with admission buttons costing only $15.
Paris Hilton has confirmed that she and boyfriend Benji Madden will be spending New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia. There, Paris will host and Benji will DJ at the invite-only launch party for new online social network, Bongo Virus.
Don’t have an invite and don’t have a life? Then for only $5, you can stream the entire party over the Internet. What better way to liven up your own New Year’s Eve party than with a feed starring Paris!
In the press release from event organizers, Paris is quoted as saying, “I love the idea… Sydney is going to go off this New Year’s Eve… I can’t wait to be partying with the Aussies and Benji deejaying by my side.”
Ughhh…is she ever going to just go away?
UPDATE: Looks like Paris and Benji have split up! We’ll have to see who else gets to host the party with her now. Well, at least Benjit can watch it from home for $5 and see what he’s missing.
Sir Elton John has just announced that he will perfom a massive New Year’s Eve concert at the O2 Arena in London. The show is being produced by celebrity photographer David LaChapelle.
Elton commented on New Year at The O2: “I can’t wait to get to spend New Year’s Eve with 17,000 of my biggest fans. I can’t think of a better way to see in 2009.”
David Campbell, Chief Executive of AEG Europe, owners and operators of The O2 added: “I’ve seen the set list for New Year Eve and this is absolutely going to be one massive party. The O2 is the world’s most popular music venue, and for New Year Eve we have always wanted the best celebration anywhere.”
Elton has been wowing audiences with his Red Piano show in Las Vegas since 2004, and Elton John’s New Year’s Eve Party will see him perform his greatest hits at the biggest party in town; the final concert in his 2008 Red Piano European tour. He has just released his 3 disc deluxe ‘Red Piano’ DVD – a 14 song performance of the best of the show including favourites such as Candle in the Wind, Your Song, Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer. .
Pre-sale tickets go on sale Monday, November 17 to O2 customers, followed by sales to Elton John fan club members. Tickets for the general public are available Monday, November 24.