Published on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 11:22:58 AM
Songs, stories, people and places will come together to showcase community and culture and launch Albany’s bicentenary year at this year’s New Year’s Eve event.
In a partnership with multi-arts organisation Breaksea, the City of Albany’s traditional New Year’s Eve event will be transformed into Kaya 2026, a free family event featuring live performances, storytelling, cinematography and fireworks.
Kaya, which means ‘hello’ in Menang-Noongar language, invites the community to come together to mark the start of a year-long program of cultural, artistic and reconciliation events to recognise Western Australia’s first bicentenary.
The event at ANZAC Peace Park will run from 5pm to midnight, with the traditional 9pm and midnight fireworks, food vendors and entertainment.
Kaya 2026 will open with a spoken film acknowledging country and featuring a montage of community members delivering acknowledgements in English, Croatian, Urdu, Czech, German and more.
A highlight of the evening will be Kinjarling, an original work by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse commissioned especially for Albany 2026 and sung by more than 2,400 local students from 14 schools in Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker.
Several cinematic works will explore the cultural significance of iconic Albany landmarks, and the headline performers will include popular dynamic electro-pop duo Flood the Moon and award-winning indigenous artist Kayps.
Mayor Greg Stocks said Kaya 2026 would set the tone for Albany 2026.
“2026 is an exciting year for Albany and what better way to begin than to bring our community together to highlight the significance of this place we all call home.
“From reflecting on the deep history of our Menang-Noongar people, to acknowledging the people from all corners of the globe that make us who we are today and hearing the voices of our children and future leaders, this will be a very special evening for everyone.”
Artistic Director for Kaya 2026’s stage program is Matt Reuben James Ward, with music direction by Pia Harris.
The event is delivered by the City of Albany and has been supported by Lotterywest and assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
Visit albany2026.com.au or cityofalbanyevents.com for more information.
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