Now into its eighth year, the New Year’s Eve event jointly hosted by Wodonga Raiders Football Netball Club and Wodonga Council is set to be another big celebration.

Club president Mark Johnston said it was the perfect event for families because it was free and they could stay for the early fireworks at 10pm then get young ones home, where they can then bring in the new year.

The evening at Birallee Park will feature carnival rides; music from a DJ; and food, alcohol and soft drink stalls.

Mr Johnston said he was expecting people to attended from both Albury and Wodonga, plus all over the North East.

“It’s been growing every year,” he said.

“We had 10,000 last year and we’re expecting a similar number this year.”

The gates will open from 5pm until the conclusion of the fireworks.

The family entertainment at Monday’s New Year’s Eve meeting at the Albury Paceway is set to be the most popular yet.

With another bumper crowd of 5000-plus expected to flock to the Albury Showgrounds, club president Sue van de Ven said the club had added more variety than previous years to help entertain the masses.

“Similar to previous year’s we will have live music from Killin’ Time, starting at 5.30 pm and playing between races,” van de Ven said.

“For the kids there is pony rides, a boat ride, slide, face painting, ice-cones and fairy floss.

“There will also be mini-trots between races.

“This year we have added bull riding and whip-cracking which will start after the last race and go to when the fireworks commence at midnight.”

The club will host a strong eight-race program with the first race set for 7.17pm and the last at 11pm.

Gates open at 5.30pm with adults $20, pensioners $10 and children aged 6 to under-16, $5.

Beer Deluxe, One Nightclub, Albury SS&A and Zed Bar all have New Year’s Eve parties planned featuring a variety of live music and DJs.

Thousands of revellers are expected to attend Wangaratta Council’s annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

There will be children’s activities, food trucks, and live music from Scott and Amanda and the Junkmail Band at 7pm.

The 9.15pm fireworks show will be followed by a showing of the movie The Greatest Showman before another round of midnight fireworks will welcome in 2019.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the New Year as a community,” Mayor Dean Rees said. “Spend the evening with family and friends, bring a picnic or purchase food by one of the local food vendors and enjoy the entertainment.”

Bundalong Tavern’s annual New Year party has become so big, it is now its own music festival held across December 31 and January 1.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve event – featuring DJs Whatsober, Jessie Perkins and DJ Zup Zup – cost $105 and can be purchased through www.amongstthestixxmusicfestival.com.

The skies of Corowa will also be filled with fireworks twice during the event at RSL Park.

The first junior show will be at at 9:30pm to entertain families and others looking for an early celebration, before the second show officially marks the start of the New Year at midnight.

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