“The waterfront will be the place to be on New Year’s Eve,” says CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke. “Come downtown, bring the whole family, welcome a promising new year surrounded by the good people of Cape Breton and our world-class entertainment.”
CBRMNYE will kick off at 6pm with the raising of the Canadian, Mi’kmaq, and Acadian flags on the Sydney Boardwalk, accompanied by the singing of “O Canada” in each of these three languages. Following this, the Boardwalk, Esplanade, and Charlotte Street will come to life with a variety of activities for all. Event partners Membertou First Nation and Lumiere Art at Night Festival will dress the waterfront with interactive cultural and artistic experiences highlighting the unique roles that each has within our community’s collaborative culture. Horse-drawn wagon rides will traverse the streets of the Sydney Waterfront District, spotlighting the downtown core and the upcoming Downtown Regeneration project.
The sounds of the evening will waft over the Waterfront from three different stages on site. The New Country 103.5 Ceilidh tent on the Waterfront will offer dance in modern, Mi’kmaq, and Irish styles before turning into a full-on square dance featuring Howie MacDonald and veteran caller Burton MacIntyre. The 101.9 The Giant Breakout Stage will feature a mix of rock, hip hop, and electronic music in front of City Hall, headlined by acclaimed electronic music group Scientists of Sound. And, bringing the festival to a close, will be 2017 breakout stars Port Cities on the Cape Breton Post Mainstage from 8-9pm, performing their radio hits “Back to the Bottom”, “In The Dark”, and new single “Sound of Your Voice”, before an extravagant fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.
An electronic festival guide will be available with an event schedule, expanded entertainment listings, and more. Visit CBRMNYE.ca starting Thursday, December 7th, to download this and watch a recap of the last CBRMNYE festival in 2015. CBRMNYE is brought to you by the CBRM Recreation Department with partners Membertou First Nation, Lumiere Art at Night Festival, Cape Breton Post, 101.9 The Giant, and New Country 103.5.
