Security for the annual Rotorua New Year festival on Tuesday, December 31, has been tightened.

The Rotorua GLO Festival 2019 entertainment event will be fenced with security checks at entrances.

'There are a few changes to the format for this year's event,” says Rotorua Lakes Council Business Development Manager Joanna Doherty.

'For the first time it will be a fenced event, and we will have security at the entrance checking bags.”

No reason has been given, but it is likely that the start of the Lakefront development which began before Christmas could be a major factor.

Gates open at 5.30pm, Joanna says, and she urges members of the public to arrive early to enable 'that extra bit of time needed” to enter the venue.

'We want to make it a safe environment for all, so we are just taking some extra measures this year to ensure we have a fun family vibe right throughout the evening,” says Joanna.

Some of the crowd at last year's festival.

To allow a great view of the screen and stage, organisers are also asking people to leave gazebos and tents behind, and just bring picnics, blankets, chairs and a water bottle. A line up of glittering local talent will be entertaining the crowds at the alcohol free event on the Village Green.

A range of foods trucks will also be on site and free drinking water will be available to ensure people can stay hydrated, so a personal water bottle is needed.

The fireworks will again be set off from the lake edge though there will be no public access to the Lake Front to view the fireworks.

Road closures will be in place around the venue and limited mobility parking will be available on Whakaue Street, close to the entrance gate, Joanna says.

New Years' Eve programme:

5.30pm: Gates open.

6pm: Family fun zone, Unbelieve-a-Bubble science show, music and food trucks.

6.30pm: Movie – Toy Story 4.

8.10pm: Range of entertainment including Aerial Dreams trapeze and lyra acts, kids disco and the Toi Ohomai Band.

9.30pm: Family laser and fireworks show.

9.40pm: Entertainment continues with Stave, Social Wowfair, Sonic Delusion and Strangely Arousing.

Midnight: Fireworks and laser finale.