Frenchs Forest Showground will once again be part of the Northern Beaches New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations, with the display remaining on the calendar as Dee Why Beach prepares for a different kind of event.
NBC confirmed on 12 October that Frenchs Forest, Manly Cove and Bayview would host fireworks on 31 December 2026, giving families several local options to welcome the new year. The announcement keeps Frenchs Forest among the area’s established fireworks locations, where previous New Year’s Eve celebrations have offered an earlier display suited to families with younger children.
A Familiar Celebration At Frenchs Forest
Earlier New Year’s Eve event guides have listed a 9 p.m. fireworks display around Frenchs Forest Showground and Lionel Watts Reserve, providing a local alternative to Sydney Harbour’s larger midnight celebrations. NBC has confirmed the showground as a fireworks location for 2026, although the starting time and public viewing arrangements have yet to be announced.
The Frenchs Forest display is one of three planned fireworks events across the Northern Beaches this year. Manly Cove and Bayview will also retain their displays, while Dee Why Beach will offer family-themed entertainment and activities instead.
New Year’s Eve Plans Across The Northern Beaches
The revised programme follows the cancellation of Dee Why’s offshore fireworks because of difficulties securing a suitable supplier. Unlike the other planned displays, the Dee Why event requires an offshore barge and favourable wind and swell conditions. NBC said no supplier could meet the necessary requirements for safely delivering the fireworks this year.
Ms Sue Heins said celebrations would continue across four locations, including the alternative family event planned at Dee Why. People planning to attend the Frenchs Forest fireworks are being encouraged to use public transport and check event information before travelling. Further details about the fireworks schedule, public viewing areas, road closures and safety arrangements will be released on the NBC website closer to New Year’s Eve.
Published 14-October-2026
