Fireworks to sparkle Sydney Opera House on New Year's eve

The city of Sydney announced Monday that more than 1,000 fireworks will be launched from the sails of Sydney Opera House this New Year's Eve. The fireworks were developed specifically for the event so they do not damage the building's tiled exterior by using specially designed pyrotechnics. It is the first time in over a decade that fireworks will be launched from the tops of four sails of the Sydney Opera House and they will be installed by a specially-trained fireworks crew, working 67-meter above the ground. The Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the event's creative style and "Shine" theme was led by artist and musician Reg Mombassa, who was working closely with the fireworks team to develop the event. Mombassa said the Sydney Opera House was an inspiring building for artists and pyrotechnicians. "Apart from the fact the Sydney Opera House is a distinctive and iconic structure, it's interesting from the view point of an artist in that it totally changes shape according to where you're observing it from," Mombassa said. The mayor also said she expected this year's event to have one of the most creative fireworks display Sydney has seen.