Qld: Queenslanders' NY party plan

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2008
Qld: Queenslanders' NY party plan

By David Barbeler

BRISBANE, Dec 29 AAP - Queensland is set to party big time on New Year's Eve.

One of the major attractions is US television star Adrian Grenier, from the popular
sitcom Entourage, who will make two stops in the south-east with his band, The Honey Brothers.

The band, formed in 2001, will first join Jet, Grinspoon and a range of other groups
on the bill at Odyssey '09, at Carrara, on the Gold Coast.

The Honey Brothers will then motor their way up the M1 to Brisbane to ring in the new
year at glamour club Zuri, in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.

Just down the road at the Brisbane City Hall will be the Gangster and Glamour New Year's
Eve Ball.

It's a sellout, but those who have missed out on the City Hall bash need not fret,
as the New Year's Eve party at South Bank is set to go off as usual with a big bang.

Now in its 17th year, locals and visitors are invited to The Parklands, which will
feature live music, an all-ages dance party, free outdoor cinema and both Guitar Hero
and Mario Kart computer game competitions.

But if beachside partying is more your, Mooloolaba is the place to be.

Once more the central party place on the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba has its annual
New Year's Eve fireworks display on the Esplanade.

And there'll be musical entertainment and fire twirling demonstrations on the beach.

Also on the Sunshine Coast, there'll be the penultimate night of the Woodford Folk
Festival, showcasing world class bands and performers.

Further up the coast is Rockhampton's New Year's Festival, promising to be bigger and
better than ever with two acres undercover for the ball at the Rockhampton Showgrounds,
including a new one-acre air-conditioned exhibition centre.

Townsville's New Year's Eve party is at the Strand and the Riverway, featuring live
entertainment, amusement rides, a licensed bar and a fireworks display.

Finally, far north Queensland residents won't miss out on the action with a party at
the Cairns Esplanade. including two fireworks displays at 9pm (AEST) and another starting
when the clock strikes midnight.

While everyone is encouraged to have fun, Premier Anna Bligh warned partygoers to look
after themselves.

"Taking personal responsibility for our own safety as we get up close to New Year's
Eve means going out and having a good time with friends and family," she said.

"But being careful about where we go, being careful not to drink too much when we're
out and about in public, being mindful there are people out there who might have had too
much to drink.

"And just taking notice of where there's good lighting and where there are security
and a police presence."

AAP djb/ahe/it

KEYWORD: EVE QLD

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