Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration returns with free live entertainment

Brantford's New Year's Eve Celebration with image of a gold disco ball and a Free marker

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford invites residents to welcome 2025 with family and friends at Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Enjoy free live music, photo booth and party favours at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts (88 Dalhousie Street) followed by a spectacular firework display and ball drop at midnight in Harmony Square
(89 Dalhousie Street). New this year, everyone is welcome to enjoy ice-skating at the DJ Skate Party in Harmony Square, weather permitting.

“New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to reflect on the past year, and celebrate with family, friends and neighbours,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “On behalf of the City of Brantford Councillors and myself, we would like to wish everyone a safe and festive holiday season and joyous New Year.”

The fun begins with a free DJ Skate Party at 7 p.m. at Harmony Square until midnight, presented by Rangoli Indian Restaurant and Bar, featuring a live DJ spinning holiday tunes that is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, generously donated by Tim Hortons, available while supplies last. Be sure to follow Harmony Square’s Facebook page for updates or cancellations. For those in need of gently used ice-skates, learn more about Brantford’s Community Skate Exchange at www.Brantford.ca/SkateExchange.

The free concert kicks off at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts with opening remarks at 8:50 p.m., followed by the live concert at 9:00 p.m. with opening band Freeloader playing hard rock and funk and headliner Hell N Back performing a tribute to AC/DC. Live music is proudly presented by Associated Paving & Materials Ltd. Attendees are required to enter through the Dalhousie Street entrance. Doors will open at 8 p.m. The first 400 people to arrive will receive a free special light-up headband. Attendees can also receive a free party favour and keepsake photo in the photo booth sponsored by The Works and TD Bank Group located in the main lobby.

Freeloader flawlessly performs the music of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, Tool, Black Sabbath, Incubus, Rush, Peter Gabriel, Soundgarden, Zeppelin and many more. Their uncanny ability to capture the sound and feel of some of Rock music’s most iconic singers, combined with their high-octane stage presence makes Freeloader a band everyone will want to tap their toes to.

Hell N Back is the Canadian 4-piece tribute band performing everyone’s favourite AC/DC classic hits. You won’t want to miss this authentic AC/DC experience with a casual and fun atmosphere.

After the show, the evening continues across the street in Harmony Square with a ball drop at midnight followed by a spectacular firework display to ring in the new year proudly sponsored by
TD Bank Group.

Residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many local eateries prior to the event. A list of dining options can be found at downtownbrantford.ca. Plan in advance by making a dining reservation before the show.

Paid parking is available downtown on December 31 and January 1 at the Municipal Market Centre Parkade (59 Icomm Drive), Municipal Lot No.3 (Darling Street) and free on-street parking is available after 6 p.m. Free Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift is available on New Year’s Eve from 9 p.m. on December 31 to 1 a.m. on January 1, 2025. The transit main terminal is conveniently located across from the Darling Street entrance of the Sanderson Centre and one block away from Harmony Square. Schedules, routes and rates are available online at Brantford.ca/Transit.

The City of Brantford is grateful to the following sponsors for their support of this free community event including; Associated Paving & Materials Ltd, Hudson Public, J.H. Young Jeweler, Rangoli Indian Restaurant and Bar, Tim Hortons, TD Bank Group, The Works, and West Brant Window World.

Temporary street closures

The following streets will be closed on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 for Brantford’s New Year’s Eve Celebration:

Dalhousie Street between Market Street to Queen Street from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Colborne Street between Queen and Bain Streets from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Hill Street and Water/Wharfe Street from Icomm Drive to Bain Street from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Detour routes will be signed to accommodate vehicular traffic.

Detailed schedules and information can be found at Brantford.ca/NewYearsEve. Join the conversation on the Harmony Square’s Facebook page using the hashtag #BrantfordNYE.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-757-2840 | ssayles@brantford.ca