THE cancellation of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, by the Coffs Jetty Carnival, highlighted the uncertainty that Covid-19 has brought to all communities.

Events to celebrate the arrival of 2021 were subdued in the Coffs Harbour area, with restrictions on numbers of people at functions and a ban on dancing dampening the enthusiasm of venue operators to organise the sort of New Year events that preceded 2020.

While everyone had been looking forward to celebrating the end of what has been described as a horrible year, the resurgence of Covid-19 in Sydney resulted in an atmosphere of resignation and nervous anticipation about the New Year.

The Sawtell Hotel, the Pier Hotel and the Coast Hotel all had live music playing, but dining areas operated normally.
The Coffs Hotel had a ticketed event with a beach party theme, but the dancing ban required modifications to activities.

The Plantation Hotel operated as usual, the Moonee Tavern and the Seaview Tavern at Woolgoolga closed at around 10pm and the Hoey Moey closed at 11pm.

The dining areas at Cex were open as usual and the club closed at 12:30am.

Red-C Events ran a ticketed event with three bands that was well attended by enthusiastic patrons.

A major event for the evening was the ‘Met Gala Banquet By The Sea’, held by local women’s group, ‘The Good Vibe Tribe’.

More than one hundred guests dressed up to enjoy a three-course meal at the Surf Club Restaurant and Bar at Park Beach.

The evening was compared by Lewis Hackfath who entertained the crowd with songs, quizzes and competitions.

There was no dancing and, as elsewhere, patrons remained seated for the event.

Everyone was happy and gregarious, putting the spectre of Covid-19 to one side for a night.

 

By Andrew VIVIAN