Some do, but apparently not enough to warrant the money being spent on the annual New Year’s Eve spectacular, according to Maitland City Council staff.

Figures to be tabled at tomorrow night’s council meeting show that the earlier 9pm fireworks attract between 7000 and 8000 people to the banks of the Hunter River in central Maitland.

Many arrive early to take advantage of the children’s rides, face painting, food stalls and entertainment.

But once the 9pm fireworks are over the majority – families with young children – pack up and head home.

Mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said this leaves a “very, very small number of people at the midnight fireworks”.

At a time when council has tightened its belt and increased rates for the next seven years, justifying the cost of the midnight fireworks for such a small crowd would be difficult.

Newcastle council had to deflect criticism it was penny pinching when it dropped the midnight fireworks from its New Year’s Eve program last year.

It too found that midnight was too late for families and that many people had settled at other venues to ring in the new year.

Maitland council points out that dropping the midnight display would allow it to put more focus on the

earlier program and provide more high-quality events and entertainment.

If it was put to a vote on that basis among those who attend the annual event, the midnight fireworks would probably lose out.

It looks like a win for families.

If you don’t agree and want the midnight fireworks retained, voice your concern to your local councillor.

READ THE STORY: Maitland midnight fireworks at risk