It has become a much-loved tradition over the last decade and a half — but this New Year's Eve it looks unlikely that a giant Bermuda onion will be dropped in St. George's town square.

Instead, a huge free celebration featuring live music, family entertainment and fireworks will take place in Hamilton, with organisers expecting thousands to attend.

The change of location for the December 31 event was revealed yesterday at the Corporation of Hamilton's first open board meeting, when it agreed to provide $30,000 towards the Front Street festivities, in addition to $12,000 already pledged for fireworks.

Councillor Dennis Tucker told the meeting that the municipality was approached by 441 Productions and Spanish Town Entertainment, which will jointly stage the $79,000 event in the capital. Chewstick will provide entertainment.

CoH event project manager Danilee Trott said the party would take place in the Number One Shed car park.

"The Corporation [of St. George's] has no funds for this year's New Year's Eve," she said.

She added: "Last year, we did think about having a New Year's Eve event but we didn't want to conflict with St. George's. This event came to us, we didn't tender it or anything.

"There is no large community event at all; it would be a shame for us not to have a community event."

Councillor Nicholas Swan said the party would be a great opportunity to promote the city. He described the sponsorship as "money well spent".

Deputy Mayor Glen Smith also backed the idea, saying the party would be a fitting way to end the Island's 400th anniversary celebrations.

He told members he hoped the Corporation of St. George's would let the giant onion-shaped light formation it uses to welcome in the New Year — representing the Island's unofficial national symbol — be dropped in Hamilton instead.

St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey told The Royal Gazette last night that no decision had yet been taken on whether or not the New Year festivities would take place in the Old Town.

The issue, she said, was due to come before the Corporation of St. George's finance committee today. "I don't know how they [CoH] would know more than we know," she added. "We haven't had our meeting."

But Eugene Dean, general manager of Spanish Town, which has been involved with the St. George's celebrations for more than 15 years, said he was told by a Corporation of St. George's staff member that it was unable to sponsor the event this year.

"They said to us if we were able to raise the funds necessary to do it on our own then we could proceed with it but otherwise they weren't able to carry it," said Mr. Dean, adding that it was entirely understandable given the economic downturn.

He confirmed that the event would happen in Hamilton and said it was up to CoH to decide if an onion should be dropped on Front Street as the clock strikes midnight. "They may have something else they wish to drop," he said.