First Night Boston

City Officials Talk Safety, Preps for First Night Boston

A strong presence of police and first responders will be provided for the event

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One day ahead of Boston's annual First Night celebrations, city officials detailed safety preparations.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said at a Monday afternoon news conference that, as always, safety was the top priority for the event.

"All of our public safety agencies have been working hard to make sure that this is a safe night and continue to be a safe night for everyone," Walsh said.

First Night festivities at Copley Square will begin Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. For a full list of First Night performers, click here.

There will be a strong public safety presence of local and state police throughout the city, as well as numerous first responders, Walsh said.

He reminded First Night-goers that the event is family-friendly and to act according.

"Anyone who has been to First Night in the past — there's a lot of young people there, a lot of young kids there — so we're asking you to act responsibly," Walsh said.

With First Night Boston just around the corner, ice sculptor Steve Rose is preparing for the event with his art.

City officials reminded people to pay attention to street closures as well as parking restrictions, which go into effect Tuesday afternoon in much of the Copley Square area. People were also being urged to use public transportation if possible.

Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said that, as of Monday afternoon, there were no credible threats to the event. Still, he reminded people at the event to be vigilant.

"We want everyone to be our eyes and ears. Let's remember that this is our city — we protect it, we look out for each other," Gross said.

Despite a wintry mix moving through the area a day earlier, event director Brooke Maher was excited for the crowds to start showing up in Copley Square.

"I mean 2020, it's a big one. There will be a lot of energy, a lot of people, a lot of stuff going on so we're excited," Maher said.

Entertainment will include live performances by Single by Sunday, Sons of Levin, SAVASHA and more. Fireworks will be seen over Boston Harbor and a pyrotechnics show will ring in 2020.

Walsh's remarks came two days after a contractor who was helping set up for First Night died Saturday when a 3,500-pound ballast fell from a forklift and crashed into his chest.

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