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Skyworks 2022: Fireworks spectacular a slow burn, but still a hit

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
VideoSome of the spectacular vision of the 2022 Australia Day Skyworks show over Perth.

Usually on January 26 the Perth foreshore is packed with people eager to snag a prime spot for the spectacular Skyworks show — but this year appeared a much more subdued affair.

That was until 8pm, when open spaces on Riverside Drive were hard to find, forcing families previously sprawled out across the grass to cram in beside one another.

But as crowds lining the Swan River foreshore grew, so did the reluctance to socially distance and wear a mask.

For some, the rise in crowd numbers was a welcome relief.

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“It was starting to look a bit sad,” Kathy Rinley said of the lonely scenes in the hours leading up to the City of Perth’s fireworks display.

Crowds are starting to build on the Perth foreshore for the 2022 Australia Day Sky Works event.
Camera IconCrowds starting to build on the Perth foreshore for the 2022 Australia Day Skyworks event. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

For others, it was enough to send them packing.

A family of four were quick to get going just moments after the fireworks came to an explosive end.

“It’s pretty busy now, and yeah I guess we are a bit worried about the number of people here, all in such close proximity,” Natasha Keilin said.

“Are masks really going to stop a super spreader event when people are shoulder to shoulder? Not that everyone is even wearing masks.”

The Perth foreshore has come to life for the 2022 Australia Day Sky Works event.
Camera IconThe spectacular show. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

With the State recording another rise in COVID cases, most people had earlier decided to avoid potential large crowds at Riverside Drive.

Where families would have once had to fight for a decent-sized spot on the grass along the Swan River, with the fireworks show previously attracting 250,000 people to the banks of the Swan River and Kings Park gardens, now they were spoiled for choice.

Andrew Reynolds, who turned up in plenty of time expecting to battle the crowds, admitted “the vibe is a bit a low”.

“I’m shocked,” Mr Reynolds said. “I wasn’t expecting it to be this empty.”

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