Places to Watch Fireworks for New Year’s Eve in Cape Town

We’ve got the lowdown on the designated fireworks zones for NYE in the Mother City!

New Year’s Eve in Cape Town is a very festive occasion and the age-old custom of setting off fireworks continues to be a tradition among many Mother City residents. Though, in recent years the lighting of fireworks has not only become a civic nuisance but has also been made illegal in residential areas. Thus, the City of Cape Town appeals to residents to be cautious and sensible when discharging fireworks as part of the NYE festivities.

The City would like to remind residents to obey the law in terms of the discharging of fireworks. On Guy Fawkes day (5 November), the City of Cape Town responded to 173 fireworks-related complaints and also recorded numerous fireworks-related injuries.

Members of the public are urged to purchase fireworks from registered suppliers who can produce their permits issued by SAPS. Shop-bought fireworks discharged at approved locations are done so at the owner’s risk.

“On New Year’s Eve, please keep your pets safely indoors where possible as animals are easily frightened by fireworks and can become distressed or try to escape. If you’re going out on New Year’s Eve, please ensure that your pets are safely secured on your property, in familiar surroundings and out of harm’s way,” said Alderman JP Smith.

PLACES TO WATCH & DISCHARGE FIREWORKS FOR 2014-2015 NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CAPE TOWN

ATHLONE: Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side) | Klipfontein Road

ATLANTIS: Wesfleur Sports Field | Reygersdal Drive

BISHOP LAVIS: Bishop Lavis Sports Field | Lavis Drive

CAMPS BAY: Maidens Cove parking area | Victoria Road

MACASSAR: Macassar Beach parking area | Macassar Road

MITCHELLS PLAIN: Swartklip Sports Complex | C/O Spine and Swartklip roads

STRANDFONTEIN: Strandfontein Pavilion

TABLE VIEW: Beachfront | Opposite the tourism centre

Also, citizens are urged to not use so-called Chinese lanterns. These candle-powered airborne lanterns are not only illegal but also considered a fire hazard. What’s more, the floating lamps resemble that of emergency flares, which the NSRI is required to investigate and thus is a waste of valuable and expensive resources.

Law enforcement agencies will monitor the aforementioned sites.

To report fireworks that are being illegally discharged, please notify the Metro Police Control Centre on +27 (0) 86 076 5423, or the SAPS Emergency Control Centre on 10111. 

In the event of a fireworks-related emergency, contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 (or +27 (0) 21 480 7700 from a cellphone).

SAFETY TIPS FOR DISCHARGING FIREWORKS FOR 2014-2015 NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CAPE TOWN

• Only discharge fireworks that have been purchased from an accredited dealer
• Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
• Do not discharge fireworks indoors
• Ensure that fireworks are discharged out of range of spectators and any other structures or vehicles
• Do not try to reignite a ‘dud’ as it could explode near your hands or face
• Only light one firework at a time
• Do not make your own fireworks
• Only use fireworks as directed by the instructions printed on the packaging
• Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
• Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or other substances

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With Cape Town firework-zone-less, find new and exciting ways to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day.

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