Tamlins also contributed to the entertainmnet package of the New Year's Eve event. - norman grindley

Hundreds of thousands of revellers rang in 2009 from the cool and tranquil atmosphere at the Kingston waterfront as the famous fireworks decorated the hopes of the new year, while signalling the end of a very troubled 2008.

As the clock struck midnight, a ton of confetti rained down while partygoers hugged and kissed.

Steve Anderson and his girlfriend, Chantel Brown, both in their 20s, screamed and cheered as they watched the remarkable display spread across the night's sky.

Word of advice

Anderson had some words of advice for the new year. "Never take life too seriously. Learn and move on."

The walking distance to the scene of the fireworks was a bit challenging, the wind made it difficult for the females dressed in sleeveless blouses, but that didn't stop the massive crowd from enjoying the evening's events.

Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange sat quietly in the audience, but was quickly transformed in a dancing queen when 'Energy God', Elephant Man took the stage of the well-organised concert.

His performance was exceptional and was boosted by Rising Stars sensations, Cameal Davis and K' Alee, who joined the artiste in his closing song We Are The Children.

The patrons, who came from all walks of life, had a blast. But the Waterfront celebration was still in full force. A minute before midnight, the sound of a huge drum beat echoed around the venue. It led the launch of eye-catching fireworks that stirred the imagination of those who witnessed.

Jacob Wright, drove all the way from St Ann with his family, so that his daughter could see the beauty unfold.

The colourful lights, which went way up in the air and burst into bits of spectacles proved too much for her. "Wow, this wonderful," said the little girl.

Another female shouted, "This a 2k mine and me son."

The excitement ended approximately 17 minutes after midnight. Then with her ever-strong presence Etana, who not only matched the amazement of the fireworks, had the crowd singing along to the words of I Am Not Afraid.

Cameal Davis. - file

Earlier, the performances of Cameal Davis, Christopher Martin, The Tamlins, Tinga Stewart and dancers out of Spanish Town added to what was defined as the grand entrance into 2009.

Davis said 2009 caught her giving the Almighty God praises. "The first thing I did was to close my eyes and thank God for 2009. Then I wished everyone around me a happy new year," she said.

Memorable moment

Yet, the most memorable moment came when comedians Ity and Fancy Cat came up with a master plan of their own.

The two, who impersonated the characters of MC Nuffy and self-proclaimed 'King of the Dancehall' Beenie Man, tricked the crowd, announcing that Beenie Man was backstage getting ready to perform.

It created a huge uproar by the audience, who broke up in laughter when they found out the fib.

One of the worst dramas of '08 was the world financial crisis that hit markets around the globe. It was the only thing that vendor Steve talked about when The STAR asked him to describe the year gone by.

"It was a good show but it finished too early. The year was bad for me. No money was here to run my business," he said.

Tinga Stewart - norman grindley