Skyfire has been held on Lake Burley Griffin since 1989 (minus the ‘COVID years’). Photo: Hit 104.7.
After a five-year hiatus, Skyfire is back!
After teasing a “huge announcement” on social media, local radio stations and organisers Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 FM announced the fireworks will return in March 2024.
Skyfire has evolved into a Canberra favourite since its debut in 1989 when about 10,000 people turned out to watch Lake Burley Griffin light up with vivid fireworks.
The annual display grew in size and popularity until 2020 when the organisers agreed to cancel it due to COVID.
But AmplifyCBR general manager and operator of Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3 Craig Wagstaff says the plan was always to bring it back.
“There was always the intention to try and again deliver Canberra’s largest single-day event, and incorporating a range of necessary elements and requirements, 2024 was the first realistic opportunity to do so.”
He said there’s been months of “considerable planning” with the ACT Government and National Capital Authority (NCA), as well as pyrotechnic providers, event managers and other commercial partners and businesses, but Skyfire 2024 is happening at Regatta Point on the lake on 16 March 2024.
Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 have joined up to host Skyfire 2024. Photo: Mix 106.3, Facebook.
More than 40,000 effects, 2500 shells and 25,000 shooting comets will be launched from barges in the lake’s Central Basin and set to a high-energy soundtrack broadcast simultaneously on Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3.
The result will be a 20-minute-long “pyrotechnic bonanza” and some surprises.
“The on-the-night specifics, along with some exciting ideas, will roll out across each station in the months leading up to the event and will be announced over time,” Craig says.
After all this time starved of fireworks, a “huge crowd” is expected.
“We received advice in years past that the event has consistently drawn over 100,000 people, often much more – locals and visitors alike,” Craig says.
“If the discussion, enquiry and interest over the last few years is anything to go by, we’re looking forward to a huge crowd.”
At the last event in 2019, tens of thousands of people gathered along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
However, midway through the display, all the fireworks on one barge reportedly lit up and hurtled sparks towards the crowds gathered at Rond Terrace. No one was injured.
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