City to stage sight and sound spectacle on New Year's Eve

26/12/00
Perth's New Year countdown will have special flair this year, courtesy of the artist responsible for the now famous lawnmower scene at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony.
Neill Gladwin, a renowned performer and art consultant who also directed the Sydney Paralympic closing ceremony, has been working with the Ministry for Culture and the Arts to create a spectacle of sight and sound in the streets of Perth on New Year's Eve.
In the 15 minutes before the Swan Bells tower lights up in a stunning display at midnight, revellers will be treated to street theatre, pipers and other activities from the Town Hall, down Barrack Street to Barrack Square.
Six giant alarm clocks, created from cane and paper, will be attached to lightposts down Barrack Street and ring every five minutes in the countdown to midnight.
Pipers, standing high in the Swan Bells and on the tops of city buildings, will call to a small band of highland players at the Town Hall, creating a musical link to the Swan Bells.
Along the way, The Sculptures, two three-metre high figures representing the hands of time, will cavort down Barrack Street on powered scooters.
Hand-held smoke flares will be ignited at the Swan Bells for the final countdown to the New Year and the climax at midnight of a spectacular light show.

The events have been organised by the Ministry for Culture and the Arts as part of the celebrations planned by the City of Perth and the Western Australian Tourism Commission.
Arts Minister Mike Board said Perth was going to be the place to be in the countdown to the New Year, with the arts community playing a vital part in the celebrations.
"The arts have long played an important role in helping communities celebrate significant events," Mr Board said.
"For centuries, people have used visual art, poetry, dance, theatre, music and performance as a way of engaging, celebrating and recording special occasions.
"The performances planned for New Year's Eve will be spectacular and combined with the lightshow and pealing of the Swan Bells will give Perth people a night to remember."
The events, following the City of Perth's entertainment, start at 11.45pm outside the Town Hall and finish at the Swan Bells just before midnight.
People are encouraged to view the festivities from vantage points along both sides of Barrack Street from Hay Street to The Esplanade.
Media contact: Minister Board's office - Tamatha Smith, 9222 9211