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Sydney Starts Off 2010 With a Bang

Australian city gets drop on New Zealand with early display

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2009 12:25 PM CST

(Newser) – Sydney welcomed 2010 a little early this year, with a 9pm fireworks display over the harbor for the family crowd. That hour in Australia happens to fall at midnight in Auckland, New Zealand, which usually lays claim to the first big celebration of the New Year, but appears to have been eclipsed by what many consider the best display in the world. Sydney set off still more fireworks when the year actually turned there, the Times reports.

The annual New Year's Eve fireworks illuminate the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken the Spirit' with more than 1.5 million people expected.
The annual New Year's Eve fireworks illuminate the sky over Sydney Harbour on December 31, 2009. The 2009 into 2010 theme is 'Awaken the Spirit' with more than 1.5 million people expected.   (Getty Images)
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.   (AP Photo)
Fireworks flash over Sydney Opera House during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.
Fireworks flash over Sydney Opera House during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.   (AP Photo)
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year's Eve celebrations, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year's Eve celebrations, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbour during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbour during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.
Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year celebrations, Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Craighenn
Jan 2, 2010 1:17 AM CST
Wow. Australia stole the spotlight from New Zealand? A spotlight given to them from FATHER TIME? Well whatever, so long as it was pretty and anything.
Nxxxx
Dec 31, 2009 8:03 AM CST
In contrast to previous years of 'misbehavings' at New Year, I was asleep by 10.30. No drink, no drugs...just a bowl of ice cream. Happy New tick of the clock.
keybored
Dec 31, 2009 6:28 AM CST
Happy New Year! :)
 

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