ABC’s annual New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks celebrations return to Sydney and our screens this month.

Viewers and attendees will be able to ring in the New Year with the ABC team on Wednesday, 31 December, from 8:45 pm on ABC TV and ABC iView. The event will be broadcast from the Sydney Opera House’s Northern Broadwalk, where hosts Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering will overlook the picturesque Sydney Harbour.

Following the 9 pm Calling Country fireworks, punters can tune in for a diverse range of live music. From 9:10 pm, a line-up led by global pop powerhouse Melanie C will perform, alongside Australian favourites Matt Corby, The Cat Empire, Peach PRC, Marcia Hines, Don West, Jem Cassar-Daley, Ayesha Madon, and the Queen of New Year’s Eve herself, Casey Donovan.

ABC’s New Year’s Eve concert will also celebrate 60 years of Play School with a special tribute featuring classic songs, iconic hosts, and special guests. At midnight, the City of Sydney’s annual, legendary fireworks display will light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and surrounding buildings. 

ABC’s Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle, said of the upcoming programming: “ABC’s 2025 New Year’s Eve broadcast will be truly memorable and lots of fun. It’s a joy to collaborate with the City of Sydney and share this celebration with audiences across Australia and around the globe.”

ABC’s NYE25 concert will be broadcast across ABC TV, ABC iView, and the national broadcaster’s YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok channels. The fireworks will also be heard on ABC Local Radio, with the fireworks display audio described for the vision impaired on the ABC Listen app.

International viewers and listeners can tune in via the ABC Australia and ABC Radio Australia channels, respectively.

International superstar Robbie Williams headlined last year’s ABC New Year’s Eve event.

He joined an impressive roster of artists, including American country star Randy Houser, Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey of Fanning Dempsey National Park, Cyril, 1300, Nooky, Becca Hatch and G Flip.