Kylie Minogue Announces Sydney's New Years Eve Theme 'Embrace'

KYLIE MINOGUE wants us all to hug it out this New Years Eve.

The Creative Ambassador for the City of Sydney’s 2012 NYE announced this morning that the theme for the celebrations will be "Embrace’’

“Embrace is all about acceptance, tolerance, fun and, above all, love,” Minogue said.

“In a city of great diversity we come together at New Year’s Eve to embrace the future and celebrate all that we are and the potential that tomorrow holds.

“It’s also about that magical moment at midnight when we throw our arms around the people we love and express our happiness.

“This year I want everyone to embrace during the fireworks.

“Whether it’s embracing new ideas, change and opportunities, or just giving a big hug to your family and friends, it’s something everyone can get involved in.

“So together, we are going to make this New Year’s Eve the most memorable night ever.”
More than 1.1 billion people around the world share in Sydney’s celebrations, with Lord Mayor Clover Moore again expecting more than one million people to gather in Sydney for the celebrations.

“Kylie’s chosen theme of Embrace will be visible throughout the city in the lead up to the night and will provide the inspiration for the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays, being designed and choreographed by expert pyrotechnician Fortunato Foti.,’’ Ms Moore said.

An Embrace icon - "a swirl of coloured sails in magenta, yellow, purple and red’’ – will be the centrepiece complete with Minogue’s ignature K.

It will be on display at bus stops, on buses and on banners around the city to get people in the mood.

Sydney’s Festivals Set to Expand

Four major Sydney festivals have received a funding boost from The City Of Sydney. The Sydney Writer’s Festival, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Yabun Festival and Australia Day have all been endorsed.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, said: “Each year the City of Sydney invests nearly $3.5 million to help stage major festivals in Sydney,”

The Sydney Writer’s festival has received a $660,000 sponsorship agreement, with Sydney’s Mardi Gras receiving $400,000 and Yabun Festival and Australia Day each gaining $130,000.

“From national celebrations like Australia Day and Yabun Festival, to international highlights like Mardi Gras and the Sydney Writers’ Festival, these events enrich our city’s cultural life immeasurably and demonstrate that Sydney is one of the world’s great event capitals.” Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, said.

“They also shine the international spotlight on our city, boosting tourism and bringing significant benefits to the local economy, helping to secure hundreds of jobs across different industries and locations.

The festivals together attract more than one million sydneysiders each year, injecting more than $34 million to the local economy.

The funding is part the City’s bid to ensure Sydney’s festivals stay on a world class calendar.
The Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, said: “This funding boost will allow our major festival organisers to expand their events and introduce new programs and activities for Sydneysiders and visitors to enjoy. We look forward to helping them deliver their biggest and best events yet.”

The sponsorship agreements follow the City’s announcement of over $750,000 extra funding to go to the Bienale of Sydney, as well as Sydney Festival’s opening night.

The City of Sydney spends $9.6 million a year on grants and sponsorships for cultural and community groups.