New Year’s Eve crowd estimated at 10,000 in Murray Bridge

Fireworks launched off the old road bridge gave 2020 a spectacular send-off and welcomed 2021.

New Year’s Eve crowd estimated at 10,000 in Murray Bridge
Photo: Penny Heighes/Rural City of Murray Bridge.

Up to 10,000 people are estimated to have spent New Year’s Eve on Murray Bridge's riverfront.

With Adelaide’s major fireworks displays cancelled to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, regional centres such as Murray Bridge became a destination for thousands of revellers on December 31.

Three thousand spectators were permitted inside a fence for an official event at Sturt Reserve, where local musicians played, vendors sold food and Murray River Splash festival activities kept kids entertained.

But thousands more gathered on the wharf and on the east side to watch a spectacular fireworks display launched from the old road bridge at 9.45pm.

The train bridge was also illuminated for the occasion – a temporary concession from the Australian Rail Track Corporation, which had resisted a push by the council to permanantly light up the structure.

No problems with public behaviour were reported.

Photo: Julia Scalzi.

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