In an extraordinary display of creativity, Vivid Sydney 2023 commenced with a bang, attracting an unprecedented number of festival-goers from near and far. The largest festival in Australia kicked off its program with a sensational opening weekend featuring over 300 events and activations that left visitors in awe. The staggering turnout exceeded all expectations, marking a significant 4% increase from last year’s record-breaking launch.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response, highlighting the economic benefits for local businesses. “We witnessed tens of thousands of families embracing the Vivid Light Walk while the vibrant city center buzzed with excitement, boosting our local economy,” he said. This festival epitomizes community spirit, bringing together locals, tourists, and international visitors to celebrate our thriving creative industries and indulge in world-class events, culinary delights, and diverse hospitality.

Vivid Sydney Custom House

Vivid Sydney 2023 introduced several groundbreaking attractions, captivating attendees throughout the opening weekend. The longest-ever Vivid Sydney Light Walk was an instant hit, introducing innovative experiences such as Lightscape and Dark Spectrum. Furthermore, food enthusiasts revelled in the delights of Vivid Food, making it one of the most sought-after offerings. Cafes, bars, and restaurants experienced a significant surge, welcoming over 120,000 diners, a remarkable 5% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, 85% of attendees indulged in the culinary offerings available during the festival’s first weekend.

The festivities commenced with “First Light,” a poignant Welcome to Country ceremony paying tribute to First Nations peoples and their rich cultural heritage. The renowned band Yothu Yindi took centre stage, mesmerizing the audience with their iconic song, “Treaty,” in an awe-inspiring tribute. As the clock struck 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, the city was illuminated by a breathtaking display of fireworks, searchlights, and drones. The iconic Sydney Opera House came alive with vibrant animations showcasing the legendary works of the late John Olsen AO OBE, brought to life by creative technologists Curiious for Life Enlivened (2023).

Sunday, May 28, witnessed an impressive display of artistry as more than 1,000 drones took to the night sky, inaugurating the awe-inspiring “Written in the Stars” drone show. This breathtaking spectacle, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, left both Sydneysiders and visitors in awe. Showcasing mesmerizing images and animations, the drone show offered a remarkable journey through the celestial wonders of the natural world above.

The “Written in the Stars” drone show will continue to enthral audiences on Sunday and Wednesday nights throughout the festival. On Monday, June 12, at 9:10 p.m. (subject to weather conditions), audiences can again marvel at this captivating display. To enhance the experience, an accompanying audio track is available on Cinewav, immersing spectators in a multisensory adventure.

Gill Minervini, the Festival Director of Vivid Sydney, expressed her excitement about the expanded program and groundbreaking events that captivated audiences in 2023. “Vivid Sydney is the epitome of celebrating creative industries and our spectacular city,” Minervini enthused. “This year’s program surpasses all expectations, featuring festival firsts, world premieres, never-before-activated spaces, and the exciting addition of Vivid Food. The diversity of the programming ensures there is something for everyone. The overwhelming response and feedback we have received from our first festival weekend have been nothing short of incredible. And there is still so much more to come!”

Vivid Sydney, running nightly from 6 p.m. until Saturday, June 17, promises to deliver unparalleled entertainment and unforgettable experiences. The festival’s impact extends beyond its immersive offerings, contributing significantly to the New South Wales economy. In 2022, Vivid Sydney attracted a staggering 2.58 million visitors and injected a remarkable $119 million into the local economy.

For more information about Vivid Sydney 2023 and its upcoming events, please visit the official website: www.visitsydney.com.

Written by: Bridget Gomes

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