Sydney, Dec.2 (People's Daily Online) -- Over 1,000 fireworks will be launched from the sails of Sydney Opera House this New Year’s Eve, using specially designed pyrotechnics to protect the world-famous building as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

It is the first time in over a decade that fireworks will be launched from the tops of four sails of the Sydney Opera House and they will be installed by a specially-trained fireworks crew, working 67-metres above the ground.

The fireworks were developed specifically for the event by Foti Fireworks, so they do not damage the building’s tiled exterior.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the event’s creative style and Shine theme was led by artist and musician Reg Mombassa, who was working closely with the Foti team to develop the event.

“Combining Reg’s unique creativity with the Foti family’s pyrotechnic skills will make this Sydney New Year’s Eve inspiring, daring and colourful,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We are marking the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House in the best way that Sydney NYE knows how – brilliant, specially-designed fireworks, firing from the world-famous sails. I expect this year’s event to have one of the most creative fireworks displays Sydney has seen.”

Mombassa said the Sydney Opera House was an inspiring building for artists – and pyrotechnicians.

“Apart from the fact that the Sydney Opera House is a distinctive and iconic structure, it’s interesting from the viewpoint of an artist in that it totally changes shape according to where you’re observing it from,” Mombassa said.