Victoria to receive federal funding for NYE celebration

The City of Victoria is preparing to throw one of the biggest parties of the year.

A New Year’s Eve bash will take place at the Inner Harbour on Dec. 31.

The city will receive $224,000 in federal funding to host the event, which will also mark the kick-off to Canada’s 150^th anniversary year in 2017.

The event planning is well underway for the family friendly and multicultural celebration.

Among the attractions will be a live show, food vendors and a fireworks display.

However the fireworks show won’t take place at midnight, but rather at 9 p.m. to match up with other cities across the country.

“On December 31, a thousand lights will fill the Canadian sky from coast to coast, setting the tone for the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Victoria is among 19 Canadian municipalities to be granted funding.

The full event line-up will be revealed in November.