As 2024 quickly approaches, the City of Brantford is planning to ring in the new year with the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.
Jennifer Middleton, Special Events Supervisor for the City of Brantford, said there is plenty planned for the big evening.
“Doors will open at 8:00 p.m. and the theatre doors will open at 8:30 p.m., so people will have about an hour to get in, mingle and purchase some refreshments if they so desire,” she said. “It is general seating, so once they’re ready to go, they can go inside and grab their seats for the live entertainment.”
The opening act will be Wicked Truth and they are set to go on at 9:00 p.m.. Wicked Truth formed in 2016 and are known for their engaging and energetic performances, which made them quickly become a favourite across southern Ontario.
Following the opener, the headlining act will take to the stage at 10:00 p.m.. SUMMER OF 69 is Canada’s tribute to Bryan Adams, and was established in 2004 in Toronto. The tribute band has performed at countless outdoor festivals, theatres and events across Canada and USA, including the Caribbean’s.
Middleton also noted that there will be other fun amenities going on in the building.
“There’s going to be party favours and a free photo booth in the lobby with plenty of props to use,” she added.
As the live performances wrap up, the crowd will head over to Harmony Square around 11:40 p.m. for the ball drop and fireworks.
Middleton noted that no matter the weather, the ball drop and fireworks will be happening outside, the only exception is if there is heavy wind on the night of.
“The only thing that will stop the drop and the fireworks, is if there’s a wind rating,” she said. “If it ends up being really windy, the fireworks company will call it off, but other than that, they will definitely be going off as planned.”
Middleton said she expects the night to go off without a hitch, and hopes to see plenty of smiling faces for the event.
“Last year was so much fun and so we encourage everyone to come down for a free evening of good music and great company!” she said. “And if anyone is looking to fill their bellies before the event, we encourage them to make reservations and enjoy a nice meal at one of the restaurants downtown!”
The events supervisor also noted they couldn’t have put this event on without the sponsors.
“We are so thankful for our sponsors because out them we wouldn’t be able to put on this wonderful community event, so shout out to our presenting sponsor Hickory Dickory Decks, the TD Bank Group, Associated Paving and Materials Ltd., Bellvue Manor, West Brant Window World, and of course, Hudson Public,” she said.
For those planning to attend the event, free parking is available downtown on December 31 and January 1 and at the Municipal Market Centre Parkade, located next to Harmony Square at 59 Icomm Drive.
Free Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift will also be available on New Year’s Eve from 9:00 p.m. on December 31 to 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2024. The transit main terminal is located across from the Sanderson Centre and just one block away from Harmony Square. Schedules, routes and rates are available online at Brantford.ca/Transit.
To wrap up, Middleton gave a special shoutout to all of those who made this year’s events so special.
“In 2023, we got to bring back all our favourite City of Brantford events back to the downtown area and attendance was absolutely amazing,” she said. “We look forward to growing the 2024 event calendar and you won’t want to miss all the fun plans we have for enhancing the events in the new year.”
