Chief Minister's Department spokesman Simon Kinsmore said the alcohol-free event would be a ''real family occasion. We encourage families to get down there, watch the bands, see the fireworks at 9 o'clock so the kids can be home [early] tucked up in bed, or keep them out, the bands will be going [all night].''

Mr Kinsmore said the promise of good weather meant it was ''going to be a really top night''.

At the main stage in Civic Square, local duo Tuchasoul will kick off the festivities at 7pm with a smooth acoustic set, before local act Limelight steps up the pace with a mix of Latin, rock, pop and funk.

After the first fireworks display at 9pm, blues and roots duo Chase the Sun and 12-piece band Enormous Horns will take revellers past the second round of pyrotechnics at midnight.

In Garema Place from 9pm, local DJs will count down to midnight with the hits of 2008, then party on until 2am.

This year's fireworks will explode from five firing points on City Hill, plus the stage at Civic Square will light up. Mr Kinsmore said the city would be the best place to watch the fireworks.

''If you can see the flag on City Hill, you can see the fireworks,'' he said.

Fireworks Australia director Martin Brady, said the two shows would be ''unique'' and ''the best'' Canberrans had seen.

Mr Brady said the 9pm show was classical and ''ponderous'' while the midnight one ''will rock it out''. The fireworks are digitally synchronised to two music tracks and Mr Brady promised new effects: thunder, snakes, and even a Southern Cross.

''Not only do people go to [Civic Square] but we also realised that a lot of people come out of the clubs, bars and hotels so we really are broadening the design ... and trying to make everybody happy,'' he said.

Mr Brady said there was something special about a pyrotechnics display.

''It's high octane, it's loud, it's bright, and it's perfectly suited to celebrate.''

For more information on New Year's in the City, visit events.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 132281.