The Taste of Summer New Year’s Eve event on Hobart’s waterfront has been hailed a “huge success” after thousands flocked to the festival.
General Manager Katharine Dean said over 6,000 people passed through the gates on Saturday night, marking the first sellout for a New Year’s Eve event ever.
“Everyone came through really happy, looking forward to a great night,” she said.
“The stallholders were really happy with how last night went. Everyone was dressed up. It was a great atmosphere and it was a great night all round.”
Dean said the festival had long lines of people eager to enter from the early hours.
“It started from 5 o’clock, really long lines down the waterfront which was really exciting,” she said.
“Everyone came through really happy, looking forward to a great night. And that continued all night long until we closed at 1.30.”
The crowd enjoyed entertainment from the Hoodoo Gurus, who Dean said were “amazing”, as well as other support acts.
“Everyone was really happy, really well behaved. It was a great atmosphere.”
Despite the turnout, cleanup efforts on New Years Day morning were successful and the venue was ready to reopen by midday.
“The morning after New Year’s Eve is always a big clean up. But we’ve got an amazing crew,” Dean said.
The festival continues until January 4, with tribute band Forever 80s set to headline on Saturday.
