Harbour of Light Parade™
The first incarnation of the Harbour of Light Parade™ was the Harbour of Light Marine Lantern Parade, staged on New Year’s Eve in 1999 as part of Sydney’s millennium celebrations. The parade involved 20 sea creature-themed Chinese lanterns on barges, parading on Sydney Harbour. A flotilla of illuminated vessels continues to be part of Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations and, under the direction of the City of Sydney, has become known as the Harbour of Light Parade™.
In 2013 the Harbour of Light Parade™ will feature up to 60 vessels including tall ships, the Sydney Heritage Fleet, Tribal Warrior Association boats and commercial charters. The vessels will navigate a course that stretches from Cockatoo Island in the west to Clark Island in the east, producing an enchanting and colourful display of rope lights.
Best Dressed Vessel
2012 Sydney New Year’s Eve saw the introduction of the Best Dressed Vessel competition. Harbour of Light Parade™ vessels judged to have the best rope light designs (as submitted to the City of Sydney as part of an Expression of Interest process) were offered a viewing position inside Sydney Cove for the Midnight Fireworks (subject to a successful pre-event inspection). Following the completion of the Harbour of Light Parade™ route the finalists assemble in Sydney Cove between Dawes Point and the Sydney Opera House. From this position vessels have a premium view of the Midnight Fireworks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect.
