Your guide to NYE: How Bathurst is planning to celebrate

The city will ring in the new year on Friday with a big celebration at the popular park, returning to the venue after a prolonged absence due to fires and then COVID-19.

READ MORE: Bathurst's Party in the Park on the calendar for New Year's Eve

While Party in the Park will feature a lot of the traditional attractions, one change this year is that the event is a ticketed affair.

Bathurst Regional Council introduced tickets to help keep crowds at manageable levels while COVID-19 remains a threat.

Mayor Robert Taylor said it would still be affordable for families big and small to attend.

"It's $6 admission, but you get a food voucher for $5. It virtually costs you nothing to enter the area, so council has done really well with that," he said.

"It's not about profit by any means, it was just to cover the costs and give people somewhere to entertain for the beginning of 2022, which we've missed out on in the last two years."

Tickets are available on council's website.

Kids under three years of age can attend for free.

The festivities are set to get under way at 5pm, with a selection of amusements, food stalls and live music to help people celebrate the end of 2021.

READ MORE: Bathurst's Party in the Park to feature strong small business presence

Cr Taylor said he's looking forward to seeing people being able to enjoy New Year's Eve after two years without fireworks and major celebrations at the Adventure Playground.

"This year it's restricted, but it's because of COVID - we had to limit the numbers permitted to the area - but at least we are able to get together as a community and celebrate coming into 2022," he said.

"Hopefully the way things progress in the city we can go forward in 2022, put 2020 and 2021 behind us, and prosper in 2022."

He encouraged people to celebrate the occasion, but to do so responsibly.

"It goes without saying, being a hotelier, have a plan B if you are out celebrating, make sure you can get home safe," Cr Taylor said.

Live Music:

5pm - Belle Whitwell

7pm - Wild Card

Delicious Food:

Free Activities:

Market Stalls:

The event also has $2 show rides and will conclude with a fireworks display at 9pm.

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