Skyfire, Canberra’s biggest fireworks event, is set to return in 2024 after a five-year hiatus. Popular Canberra radio stations Hit 104.7 FM and Mix 106.3 are combining forces to light up Canberra with a 20-minute pyrotechnic display launched from barges situated in the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin. The firework display will be set to a soundtrack played simultaneously on Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3.
The one-day event will be hosted on Saturday, 16 March 2024. Here’s what the long-awaited fireworks show will entail:
What To Expect From Skyfire In 2024
Skyfire has been Canberra’s beloved fireworks spectacular since 1989, and this year, it’s expected to be bigger than ever its half a decade break. According to the ACT Government, at least one third of the ACT population will see the fireworks this year.
While the fireworks are the main event, there’s also a lot more to see, drink, and eat. This includes an entertainment stage on the north side of the lake at Regatta Point that will host live performances. You can expect musical acts, flyovers, and artillery firing from the Australian Defence Force.
Skyfire 2024 won’t be short on food and drink either. There will be food trucks scattered around Lake Burley Griffin with some of Canberra’s favourites like Grease Monkey and Mellabella Gelato. All up, there will be 23 food trucks around Regetta Point, Rond Terrace, and King’s Park. The Local Village Markets will also host two market hubs with food, non-alcoholic drinks, and retail stalls from 12 pm to 8.30 pm when the show begins.
How To Attend Skyfire 2024
The event is completely free and non-ticketed, so all you need to do is show up! Since Skyfire is expected to have such a huge turnout of Canberrans this year, it will be near impossible to find parking. The best way to attend the event is to catch public transport to Regatta Point or Albert Hall. Although nothing has been announced yet, ACT Transport usually offers extra bus service on the day of the event and a free shuttle service back to major bus stations.
The show normally starts once the sky is completely dark, around 8:30 pm. If you want to get a prime viewing spot, however, it’s best to arrive a few hours in advance and hold the fort on a picnic blanket until the fireworks start. Space near the lake’s shore is highly coveted!
Why The 5-Year Hiatus?
Skyfire was cancelled for the first time in its history in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same thing happened in 2021 and 2022. The popular Canberra event was also postponed in 2023, although no clear reason was given by the ACT Government or Hit 104.7. COVID-19 aside, the unexpectedly long hiatus might be due to an incident at the last Skyfire event in 2019. A barge burst into flames after a fireworks explosion, sending some spectators ducking for cover. Although no one was injured, the incident did raise concerns about the safety of the event.
There’s a lot of anticipation for the iconic event to finally return this year, so prepare yourself for big crowds!
