THE fireworks lit up the sky and children’s squeals of excitement could be heard at Ballarat’s main Australia Day event.
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Families gathered around Lake Wendouree on Monday night to see the 9.30pm fireworks display.
Melissa Perkins had travelled from Maryborough with her sister and their children to enjoy the event.
Ms Perkins said it was the first time they had seen Ballarat’s Australia Day fireworks, but would certainly be back again.
Power FM and 3BA general manager John Fitzgibbon, who put on the show, said it was an absolutely outstanding evening.
“I’m really impressed by what the boys put together. They added some new stuff in there that went beyond my expectations,” he said.
“The colours, the colour combinations, the water shells and the way they exploded in the air, and the second and third releases looked fantastic.”
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Mr Fitzgibbon said the fireworks brought back childhood memories and he had loved them since he was a child.
“It’s great how everyone comes together at the end of Australia Day to Lake Wendouree, of all ages. Fireworks cross the generations, and the youngest person and the oldest person can come together and enjoy it.”
He said in previous years the event had attracted about 30,000 people, who lined the six-kilometre Lake Wendouree walking track to see the display.
However, he estimated about 20,000 might have turned out for Monday night’s display.
“It’s a 15-minute display. It’s the largest in regional Victoria, with close to 15,000 effects.
“In a couple of weeks, we’ll sit down and discuss what worked this year and didn’t, and then start planning for next year.”
Radio Ballarat has organised the fireworks for 23 years with the support of its sponsors, with Federation University Australia, Ryan’s IGA and McDonald’s all coming on board to help fund the spectacular night.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au