KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) today announced that plans for its New Year’s Eve premier event Fireworks on the Kingston Waterfront, are far advanced, with this year’s staging scheduled from 3:00 pm to 2:00 am the following day.

The UDC said the fireworks event will, for a second year, be extended to St Ann and dubbed ‘Fireworks on the Bay’ at the Ocho Rios Bay Beach, being executed by the St Ann Development Company (SADCO), a subsidiary of the UDC and will begin at 2:00pm.

The Corporation said Fireworks on the Waterfront event prides itself on being Jamaica’s largest family-oriented event and street party and will this year be hosted under the theme “Feel the Magic, Be the G.L.O.W”.

It is set to feature its traditional elements of Kiddies’ Village, satisfying the young and young at heart through activities which range from games and rides to storytelling and face painting; the Vending Village, which houses vendors showcasing a melting pot of Jamaican culinary offerings and craft; Street Party boasting the musical stylings of guest DJ’s and a stage show followed by the fireworks display.

According to Lorna Clarke, Director of Communication, UDC, “Fireworks on the Waterfront has become a staple event for many families across Jamaica and to host an event which caters to over 300,000 people requires that the processes be continually reviewed to ensure customer satisfaction.”

She noted that arising from this comprehensive review, the Corporation has implemented a few changes to this year’s staging in an effort to enhance the fireworks experience.

As part of the improvements, the Corporation said it is rolling out a Park and Ride system in Kingston which allows attendees the option to park securely at the Corporation’s satellite parking lots and be shuttled to and from the event comfortably.

It added that the VIP experience has also been enhanced with the addition of the ‘Sky Party’ located at Ocean 7, Victoria Pier which will provide guests with an enviable view of the fireworks.

The standard VIP Front Row is also available for those who wish to be closer to the stage.

Both VIP sections will serve hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drink mixes. Tickets for these areas are adults $7,000, couples $12,000 and children $3,000 for VIP Front Row and adults $8,500, couples $15,000 children $4,000 for VIP Sky which can be purchased at the UDC Head Office. Interested individuals can email cr@udcja.com or call (876) 656-8031

Fireworks on the Waterfront was first staged by the UDC in 1999; the 2018 staging is supported by main sponsors the CHASE Fund, Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Digicel, Jamaica Properties/Pan Jamaican Investment Trust, NMIA/Airports Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Freight & Shipping, Grace Kennedy Limited, Main Event, Pepsi Jamaica, National Commercial Bank and Television Jamaica and form a part of the Corporation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.