The night was warm, the date 31st December 2007. The last day of the year, and Sydney was, as always ready to party. The scene was set. The lights of Luna Park shone like a beacon to the many revellers waiting to start their night. When walking from the train station to Luna Park it was evident that many people were already out waiting in anticipation for the fireworks.
Big Luna Park signs created a grand entrance, the iconic face, was pretty bright and the general atmosphere once inside was even better. It was the party to end all parties. On a normal night, Luna Park is impressive, but tonight was even better.
There was the usual cheesiness that comes with Luna Park: the rides, the haunted house, Coney Island Funhouse…the major disappointment was that the Ferris Wheel was not running, despite being lit up festively. There were lots of drunk people running around, and what would it be without questionable festival food?
Adding to the atmosphere were street performers of the Latino bent with barely-there clothing, dancing, and live drumming. At the other end of the spectrum was a full blown bagpipe procession, in full attire, kilts and all, who no doubt belted out Auld Lang Syne when the clock finally hit twelve. To top it all off were the 9pm fireworks, a taster of what was to come.
The music was a good choice of Australian bands and international DJs and most of the action took place in the Big Top tent, and opposite in the Crystal Palace. The Heat were a good opener, their electro remixes proving satisfying for the already building crowd.
Cut Copy were as always great to get the party started. Their set was scheduled just before the clock hit midnight and it was a good choice. They opened with their latest single; a dancefloor filler, which is more guitary than their debut album, So Haunted. They then followed through with Hearts of Fire. Their pop sensibility was appreciated, as were the smoke machine and laser beams in the tent, and their moving pictures in the background.
Cut Copy have always been a brilliant band that have managed to bridge the indie/rock/dance/electronic genres long before it was fashionable. Along with playing a few tracks off their eagerly anticipated second album, they played a gems off their shimmering debut like Time Stands Still and Saturdays, which got the room moving.
But to be honest the real show of the night was across the sky. As it hit midnight, the bridge lit up and so did Sydney. Standing with a few thousand, Luna Park must be one of the best places to view the fireworks at midnight, and it wasn’t disappointing. There were the requisite collective “ooohs” and “ahhhs” and cheering and whistling. For twenty minutes or so we were treated to the spectacle.
The French DJ Joachim Garraud was popular after midnight in the Crystal Palace. A brief visitation saw him mixing Justice with The Prodigy, but it was over to Big Top to see one of Australia’s best electronic acts, Pnau.
They were stellar, and a great way to start 2008. Hopefully it will be a big year for them, with their new album out. They played the absolute killer track Wild Strawberries and also tracks from their EP of the same name, along with No More Violence and We Have Tomorrow.
The crowd was really liking it by this stage, and after leaving to go on some more rides, it was all but impossible to get back into the tent for Sneaky Sound System’s DJ set. From the sounds of it, though, they were very popular with the crowd inside.
Luna Park was a special way to see in the new year. With great Australian bands, free rides, and DJs, plus the best fireworks show on earth, it ended 2007 with a bang, and gave a hopeful start to 2008.
