It’s one of the biggest nights of the year in Canberra. Thousands of people line the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to watch a fireworks display set the soundtrack of summer. This year will be no different at Skyfire 2015 as we all prepare for the spectacular show.
However, this massive event brings out very specific types of people. Have a look around you next Saturday and see if you can identify any of these five types of people who go to Skyfire.
The Thermomixers
Be careful not to step on their Laura Ashley picnic blanket – you might disturb the carefully arranged assortment of gourmet snacks you can’t even pronounce. Watch as their various cheeses are removed from the esky at set times to ensure they are warmed to a common temperature by 6.45pm. If something smells weird, it’s likely due to the fact they spent the morning grinding duck liver to make their own paté.
The good news: If you need a bottle opener, they’ll have one to open their organic Tempranillo from Spain.
The Campers
Not even the Apple Store can drive people to spend 24 hours glued to the spot in order to secure the best position for what is effectively available to everyone. Clustered around the bottom of the stone walls of the Regatta Point complex, you’ll be wise to keep a wide berth from their foul moods, lack of personal hygiene and hollow eyes. Fortunately, the sun will go down and, as soon as it’s over, they’ll scuttle back to the suburbs to sleep until next year.
The good news: They’re all in one spot.
Last-in-first out
Ten minutes until the show begins and everything is ready. You’ve got your spread, claimed your turf and everyone is having fun….
All of a sudden, in come three people armed with collapsible chairs and a thermos. Quickly scouting the area, they identify the sliver of grass between you and the group in front and plonk themselves down there – half encroaching on your blanket and blocking your view of the lake.
For them, to be closer to you is better (given they couldn’t be bothered bringing their own radio), and any protests from your group will get the response, “The fireworks go up, mate!”
The good news: with one more song to go, they’ll up and leave to rush off to their friend who has kept the car running so they can all beat the traffic.
Family Feud
Let’s face it, children love nothing more than to glued in one spot for hours on end as nothing happens. What could go wrong? “It’ll be a great for the kids!” said one family member a couple of weeks ago, before enrolling the neighbours, grandparents and anyone who hasn’t experienced the horror of trying to control six people under the age of ten heading in as many different directions at the same time.
There will be screaming, there will be tears and through the frustration of it all the parents will argue about whether or not they should have brought the iPads with them.
The good news: You can turn your radio up over the noise.
The Over-Enthusiasts
If you’ve lived in Canberra since your teens, chances are you’ve been one of them. Having collectively told all their parents they are going to Skyfire with someone else’s parents, the next thing to do is fill that half-empty bottle of Solo with ‘water’ and settle in for the night. They’ll be pashing and groping each other before the sun goes down, ‘dumped’ by 8.00pm and wobbling off to the Action Bus arm-in-arm for the ride home.
The good news: They’ll either be asleep or very, very quiet before too long.
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Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll spot them all. If you’re not keen to be among the crowd, click here or here to join one of the VIP parties with spectacular views and delicious food.
Regardless of where you end up, this is an awesome event, so get well prepared and have a great night this Saturday!
For more information, click here.