New Information About Major New London Event Released

NEW LONDON, CT — Celebrate New London is coming up Saturday and kicks off at 1 p.m. with live music, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks.

The event will feature 15 bands, three outdoor stages, creative village, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks.

"All of this family fun will be capped off by the Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks Extravaganza, one of the largest fireworks displays in New England and generously sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods Resort Casino, and WONDR Nation – a 44-year tradition," according to a statement from organizers.

Restaurants and shop on Bank Street will also host entertainment, and the street will be closed at 2 p.m. to let festival-goers stroll freely.

Lower State Street will be "transformed into a ‘Creative Village’ of regional artists and crafters featuring original work, live art, creative interactive opportunities, and even a dash of Salsa dancing," organizers said in a statement.

For more information, go to CelebrateNewLondon.com.

The New London Police Department also released the following statement about the event:

The New London Police Department is looking forward to residents and visitors being able to gather together to enjoy the Celebrate New London event and watch the fireworks light up the skies over the Thames River.

In preparation, the New London Police Department is working closely together with our local, state, and federal partners to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Intervention with any impaired or intoxicated guests will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.

Police may be conducting light bag screenings at the venue entrances of the City Pier. For a detailed list of prohibited items, reference the list below

We encourage everyone to take advantage of ride-sharing options to “reduce” traffic congestion after the fireworks conclude at approx. 9:45 p.m.

Please keep in mind how dangerous consumer grade fireworks pose and refrain from using them.

New London police are always here if you need us and we look forward to a safe and enjoyable Celebrate New London event.

It’s important that we all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all. Keeping this in mind, please review the following lists of DO’s and DON’Ts:

DO’s
- Come ready to have fun!
- Come with a smile!
- Be patient!
- Be considerate!
- Enjoy the event!
- Be safe!

DON’Ts
- No Coolers/large containers (Pier Venue)
- No Firearms
- No Knives
- No Laser pointers
- No weapons of any kind
- No Mace/pepper spray
- No Fireworks
- No Pets (Pier Venue)
- No Backpacks/Knapsacks (Pier Venue)
- No bikes/skateboards/”Razor” style boards
- No Drones
- Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards.

* State local and federal authorities will be monitoring the airspace and deal with any drones that enter into the controlled airspace. The airspace surrounding the event is located in class D controlled airspace which requires prior approval through the FAA by a drone pilot. The airspace is currently at 0’ flight restriction and there are no approvals granted.

NOTE: Public safety is our number one priority. Unattended bags will be secured then discarded. If you see something, say something. Call 911 if you see anything suspicious.