ABC’s NYE countdown includes a real Countdown star-studded tribute concert

One of the major features of the ABC’s New Year’s Eve countdown from the Sydney Opera House is a real Countdown; a star-studded live concert that recalls the heyday of the iconic music TV show Countdown.

Countdown Live, presented by Molly Meldrum, sees Jimmy Barnes, Phil Jamieson, Colin Hay, Casey Donovan, John Paul Young, Marcia Hines, Kate Ceberano, Ngaiire, Montaigne, Isaiah Firebrace, Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie Stevens performing the classic songs that came to prominence through the TV show.

The broadcast will hosted by Charlie Pickering and includes a variety of other segments, many of them family-orientated.

The action kicks off at 8.35 pm with a Welcome to Country care of festival programmer and indigenous music figurehead Rhoda Roberts AO.

During the five minute ceremony, eucalyptus smoke is released over the water, cleansing Sydney Harbour of any bad spirits.

Flares are to be released and spectacular images displayed on the pylons celebrate Eora country.

The Early Night Show, co-hosted by Hoot the Owl and Kitty Flanagan, features the Play School band, jugglers, acrobats and a marching band.

There’s a cross to ABC ME’s Grace Koh and Giggle and Hoot’s Jimmy Giggle who will be live from Sydney’s Botanical Gardens.

After a Casey Donovan live set, the ABC will take a look at some hilarious Play School auditions, and some of their younger viewers give us their views on hot topics and what was the “best-thing-ever” that happened to them in 2017

The eight minute Family Fireworks will feature the fireworks design of 7-year old Lucia from Adelaide who won the ABC ME’s Design Your Own Firework competition.

The Countdown Live concert is scheduled for a 9:30pm start, to end at midnight when the spectacular 12-minute Sydney Midnight Fireworks come into play.

A huge range of pyrotechnic effects will launch from firing points on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and seven barges in the harbour.

Sydney’s spectactular display will again prove it is worthy global coverage, with the display is among the first in the world to welcome in the New Year.