Sydney is poised to light up for three weeks of the Vivid festival, which promises to bring mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections and live performances to the city.
The switch will be flicked for the annual winter light festival on May 26, kicking off more than 300 events involving visual displays, music, ideas and food.
The Destination NSW event, taking place for its 13th year, last year attracted more than 2.2 million people to venture out into the city at night, turbocharging the visitor economy.
This year the festival will focus on the relationship with the natural environment and also include the launch of Vivid Food, which will include pop-up restaurants and a “chef series” of four internationally renowned chefs appearing in restaurants around the city.
US actress and White Lotus star Jennifer Coolidge will be in town with the show’s creator Mike White in conversation at the International Conventions Centre, while English author Jeanette Winterson will appear at the Sydney Town Hall.
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk stretches for 8.5km, linking the Opera House to Central Station with 57 free light art installations and three-dimensional projections featuring 32 NSW-based artists and collaborators.
Vivid Music boasts a cutting-edge contemporary music program featuring 67 gigs and concerts at 14 venues with performances from local and international acts.
Road closures will occur in the CBD from 5pm, with people urged to leave their cars at home and use public transport.
Tourism Minister John Graham said the festival would transform the city and boost the economy.
“I am pleased that Vivid is evolving as Sydney does - this year includes a fourth pillar, Vivid Food, and I look forward to sampling some of NSW’s best produce, created by some of our finest culinary talents,” he said on May 24.
Festival director Gill Minervini said Vivid had come of age, evolving into an inclusive event that celebrated the best of the creative industries.
“We have raised the bar on the size and scale of the events and activated new parts of the city. Our line-up features more diverse talent across more industries,” she said.
Vivid Sydney runs from May 26 until June 17.
