Construction on New Years EHVE is in full swing on Stadhuisplein in Eindhoven on Monday afternoon. Everything is arranged down to the last detail to ensure that the grand New Year’s spectacle in the heart of the city is a success. “The fact that it is in the middle of the city makes it unique,” says project leader Willem Smits.
Where De Lichttoren used to be the setting for New Years EHVE, this year the event will take place on Stadhuisplein. “It’s a different place,” says show director Bart de Ridder. “The Light Tower is iconic, but here we have a bigger and broader canvas.”
Several artists will come and around midnight there will be a joint countdown to the new year, followed by a fireworks show. “The view of the show is perfect from the entire square,” says de Ridder as he walks across Stadhuisplein. “We started the technical setup today.”
Fireworks
Lamps are placed on the roof of the town hall with a large crane. “In addition, the windows are being masked off for the video projections. Furthermore, the finishing touches are being put on the stage. In other words, there is a lot going on.”
The theme of New Years EHVE this year is ‘Pulse’. The square must transform into the beating heart of the city during New Year’s Eve. Everything will be done to make this third edition a success. “We use a lot of lights. From show lights and lasers to strobes and spotlights for the artists.”
But there is more, says fireworks expert Jessy Maas. “We have been busy installing fireworks and various special effects for a few days now. The fireworks themselves are only put on the roof at the last minute, partly for safety reasons.”
2500 effects
Despite that, there are plenty of other things for him and his team to do. “Such as laying the cables, testing systems and preparing the fireworks, flames and confetti. We will soon have 2,500 effects here for a ten-minute show around midnight.”
In any case, Patrick van de Voort of the Eindhoven247 foundation is happy that the party is about to start. “It is a fantastically beautiful square. We often throw wonderful parties here, such as the PSV championship. We think it is fantastic that we can also hold this party here this year.”
“The fact that it is in the middle of the city makes it unique,” adds project leader Willem Smits. Packed and slumped with his hat under the helmet, he is certainly not cold. “It’s usually not in the middle of winter, so this is a bit different. But all equipment can handle it.”
Live on TV
Will everything be ready in time to go wild on December 31 at 9 p.m.? He has a clear answer to that. “All the boxes still have to be hung, everything still has to be connected and tested and we still have to put the lamps in the right direction. We still have some work to do, but that will certainly work out.”
The program of New Years EHVE lasts from nine in the evening to half past one at night. Admission is free. Would you not be able to be there yourself? No problem! Omroep Brabant broadcasts New Years EHVE on the web, app, YouTube, Brabant+ and television. The live stream can be followed from ten o’clock in the evening until one o’clock at night.
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