SYDNEY, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Off the back of 23 nights of spectacular sights, events and experiences, Vivid Sydney switches off its lights, closing another stellar festival as the world's largest comprehensive arts festival. The festival returned to its heritage of curating and collaborating with acclaimed and emerging Australian talent, alongside exceptional global creators, artists and culinary heavyweights.

The festival curated more than 200 events spanning five connected zones: Circular Quay & The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and the Inner City. More than 80% of events were free to attend, with the entire Vivid Light Walk open to all.

Vivid Sydney showcased an extraordinary calibre of international talent, reinforcing the festival's global creative influence. Audiences experienced a dynamic lineup ranging from 41 international acts making their Australian debut including standout performances by Saint Levant to a thought-provoking conversation with Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao.

The program also included Academy Award-winning director Sean Baker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jerry Saltz, New York Times-bestselling author Roxane Gay, and Grammy nominee Zane Lowe. Yotam Ottolenghi lead the Regional Dinner Series and internationally renowned artists transformed Sydney's iconic landmarks from Yann Nguema's Opera Mundi illuminating the Opera House to Chris Levine's Molecule of Light creating a beacon of light near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO, "This year's Vivid Sydney has been an extraordinary success, exceeding our expectations not only terms of sell out shows across the program, but also in the level of enthusiasm, connection, and delight we've seen across the city.

"What's been particularly striking this year is the depth of engagement across the program, with visitors exploring more than ever. On average they attended 4.5 locations and spent around three hours immersed in the festival per visit.

"Especially thrilling has been the response to our 2026 initiatives - the inclusion of spectacular aerial performances, of sculpture and visual arts elements, of the relocated and hugely expanded Fire Kitchen, of our blockbuster laser and pyrotechnic shows, and of the growth in scale of all four pillars - light, music, minds and food."

Vivid Sydney Partners

Returning as Major Partners for 2026 were Kia, Samsung Electronics Australia and IREN. Kia marked its fifth consecutive year as a Major Partner, presenting Kia Refraction in Bligh & Barney Reserve.

Samsung activated for its fifth year as a partner with Sky Portal Studio; an immersive, interactive sculptural installation in First Fleet Park.

Lilly Australia joined as an Official Partner in 2026, celebrating its 150th anniversary and presenting a Vivid Minds panel, A New Horizon of Health.

Uber came on board as an Official Partner, with dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones across the festival footprint. Dine Out with Uber Eats served as the presenting partner of the Food for Thought Stage within Vivid Fire Kitchen.

The festival's 2026 Charity Partner was Foodbank NSW & ACT, which appeared at Tumbalong Park with its interactive Foodbank Truck Packer installation.

Click here for images & VNR of Vivid Sydney 2026 Lights On launch moment (including Minister Kamper pressing the button and fireworks across Sydney Harbour) - content will be loaded from 10PM AEST.

Full program and tickets available at www.vividsydney.com

SYDNEY, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sydney harbour and CBD has once again been reimagined as a vibrant city in colour as Vivid Sydney kicks off its 16^th year. In a festival-first, there is no theme for artists and creators to work within, so visitors can expect to see unparalleled creativity across curated Light, Minds, Music, and Food events and experiences this year.

From today, festival-goers can experience more than 200 events over 23 nights that will ignite the senses, stimulate their minds, and tap into unexplored wonder, giving both locals and visitors a unique opportunity to experience Sydney in a whole new light.

This year's program is home to more than 80% free events across both daytime and evening, a condensed 6.5km light walk with 43 installations, projections and large-scale public artworks, as well as the eagerly-awaited return of the drone show – this year, shining bright over Cockle Bay across 22 performances.

Additionally, the well-loved Vivid Fire Kitchen has a new home in Barangaroo reserve and boasts a significant lineup of culinary heavyweights, while Vivid Minds (formally Ideas) delivers world-class conversations and performances from some of the leading creative minds globally.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said, "This year marks the start of an exciting evolution of Vivid Sydney. We've expanded the program across all pillars and have opened up the brief for artists and removed the creative limitations of needing to centre around one key theme. 

"Visitors can expect a more immersive and interactive experience that will encourage them to explore new locations, unexpected installations, and spend more time enjoying the festival – both after dark and during the day.

"We've gone back to the core of what Vivid Sydney is all about which is tapping into creativity, and through this, there's this incredible platform to showcase leading Australian talent as well as a chance to bring legendary international talent to the Sydney landscape too."

Vivid Sydney Partners

Returning as Major Partners for 2026 are Kia and Samsung Electronics Australia.

Kia returns in its 5^th consecutive year as a Major Partner and will display Kia Refraction in Bligh & Barney Reserve.

Samsung will activate with an immersive and interactive sculptural installation, Sky Portal Studio in First Fleet Park for its 5^th year as a Partner.

Joining the Major Partners for 2026 is IREN – proud sponsor of 'Star-Bound: Vivid Sydney Drone Show'.

Joining as an Official Partner for 2026 is Lilly Australia. Celebrating its 150th Anniversary, Lilly will be presenting a panel as part of Vivid Minds titled A New Horizon of Health.

Uber also joins them as an Official Partner with dedicated pickup and dropoff zones across the footprint.

Dine Out with Uber Eats will also be the presenting partner of the Food for Thought Stage in the Vivid Fire Kitchen.

The festival's Charity Partner for 2026 is Foodbank NSW & ACT who will be at Tumbalong Park with their interactive installation called Foodbank Truck Packer.

Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June. For more information visit vividsydney.com.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Vivid Sydney will be bigger and better than ever before.  

"No other city in the world can host Vivid, because no other city in the world has what Sydney has to offer. Vivid Sydney 2026 will redefine how we experience our city, delivering a bigger and bolder event program that will come to life both day and night.

"With more than 80 per cent of the program free to attend, Vivid Sydney is focused on making world-leading cultural experiences accessible to everyone. Whether it's the entire 6.5km Vivid Light Walk, free live music at Tumbalong Nights or dynamic daytime programming, this year's festival will bring colour and creativity to the city while delivering a significant boost to local businesses."  

Vivid Sydney 2026 marks Brett Sheehy AO's first year as Festival Director; a creative homecoming after two decades leading major festivals and arts companies across Australia.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said this year's program represents a bold new horizon for the event.

"For 2026 we are expanding our program into new artforms including aerial performance, daytime public art, theatre and dance. These join our vast Vivid Minds, Light, Music and Food offerings to now make your Vivid Sydney one of the great comprehensive arts festivals of the world. 

"This year we invite you to go beyond your previous expectations of Vivid Sydney into a bold new festival designed to surprise, delight, challenge, entertain, and fill you with joy.

"Whether you encounter Vivid Sydney as a happy observer, an eager participant, or someone keen to engage with one of our dozens of interactive opportunities, we can promise you a festival of a lifetime," said Mr Sheehy.

Vivid Sydney Partners

Kia returns as a Major Partner for the fifth consecutive year in 2026, with a new installation set to feature along the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Vivid Sydney's Supporting Partners include City of Sydney, Event Engineering, Kennards Hire, Mandylights, The P.A. People, Technical Direction Company and Transdev.

Vivid Sydney's Program Partners include Carriageworks, Sydney Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art. Vivid Sydney's Location Partners include Australian Maritime Museum, Cockle Bay Wharf, Placemaking NSW, Port Authority of New South Wales, and State Library of New South Wales.

Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com

Preliminary estimates for Vivid Sydney 2025, suggest the event pushed total visitation since the festival's inception in 2009 beyond 25 million people, with more than $1.3 billion generated in visitor expenditure over its lifetime.

Returning from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will once again transform the Harbour City across the pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food—inviting audiences to immerse themselves in cutting-edge creativity and bold storytelling. The New South Wales (NSW) Government, through Destination NSW, is now seeking ideas from creators, producers, thought leaders and innovators to help bring the 2026 festival to life.

NSW Government Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Mr Steve Kamper said: 

"The overwhelming response to Vivid Sydney 2025 sends a clear message that this festival remains a powerful driver of creativity, culture and economic impact.

"Vivid Sydney doesn't just light up our streets – it solidifies Sydney's standing as a leading global cultural capital and a must-experience destination in the Asia-Pacific.

"We're now calling on the next wave of creatives to help shape Vivid Sydney 2026. Whether you're an artist, designer, performer, producer or chef, this is your opportunity to be part of something extraordinary and share your vision."

Returning as Major Partners for Vivid Sydney 2025 were Samsung Electronics Australia and Kia. Samsung activated on both land and water in Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour with Space to Dream, which explored the boundless potential of creativity inspired by Galaxy AI. Kia displayed its new and highly anticipated EV3 electric vehicle along the Vivid Light Walk.

Official Partners included Estée Lauder, returning for its second year, with their installation: While You Were Dreaming—a radiant fusion of science, beauty and imagination, along with Ausgrid, who powered Vivid Sydney's Tumbalong Nights program.

Airbnb was once again Vivid Sydney's Community Partner, supporting the volunteer program, while the festival's Charity Partner for 2025 Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation brought Dream Scene to Darling Harbour –a digital canvas where children's dreams come alive in an evolving dreamscape.

Vivid Sydney Supporting Partners Dexus, Event Engineering, Kennards Hire, Mandylights, Nova, Port Authority of NSW, SBS, Stan, The P.A. People, TDC, and Transdev.

To learn more or submit an Expression of Interest, visit: www.vividsydney.com

- Ends -

This year, the festival comprises over 200 events across five unique zones around the city's CBD, all designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light.

Making Vivid Sydney more accessible than ever, over 75 per cent of this year's program is free to enjoy, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, Martin Place also makes a welcome return to the festival footprint after a seven-year absence.

This year, the world's biggest names in entertainment, food, and pop culture will feature, including, Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally, plus Portishead's Beth Gibbons.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, "Sydney is ready to shine! As we mark 15 years, this world-class event continues to showcase the very best destinations and creative talent our city has to offer.

"Vivid Sydney continues to grow in scale and impact, drawing millions of visitors and reinforcing Sydney's position as the premier destination in the Asia Pacific.

"With over 75 per cent of the program free to attend and the entire Vivid Light Walk open to everyone, it is one of the most accessible events in the country, and this year's program has something for everyone.

"It's a festival that unites communities, supports local businesses and boosts our visitor and night-time economies. We can't wait to see the city light up tonight!"

Vivid Sydney 2025 kicked off at Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for the annual First Light ceremony, featuring performances by NAISDA dancers that honoured Yolngu culture in Arnhem Land. The ceremony culminated at 6pm as Sydney Harbour burst to life with pyrotechnics, projections and installations illuminating the city's world-famous buildings and landmarks followed by First Light Live, a free concert honouring the power and pride of First Nations music.   

Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June. For more information visit vividsydney.com.

The husband-and-wife comedy duo will present Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Saturday, 14 June, closing the festival's 23-day celebration of creativity and innovation.

Known globally for their iconic roles as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation and Karen Walker in Will & Grace respectively, Offerman and Mullally will engage in a candid conversation moderated by Australian broadcaster Zan Rowe. The pair will discuss their individual careers, partnership, and activism work on environmental issues.

On the duo's visit to the Harbour City, Nick Offerman said "Megan and I are powerfully chuffed to get back to town for Vivid Sydney but also to reprise our lovemaking session atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Once we have recharged those particular batteries, we'll be thrilled to transfer our slatternly energies to the Vivid Sydney audience. Come for the anecdotes and the burlesque lust in our every turn of phrase, then get stretched out before you get home, because there's gonna be some canoodlin'".

Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini said, "We couldn't let Vivid Sydney take place this year without treating visitors to a masterclass in comedy. Nick and Megan are one of the funniest couples alive, and this conversation is set to be equal parts unpredictable and hilarious. Bolstering Vivid Sydney 2025's line-up alongside lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and the formidable Nigella Lawson, there really is something for everyone."

Every episode of iconic series Will & Grace and Parks and Recreation is available to stream on Stan, Australia's leading streaming service and Supporting Partner of Vivid Sydney 2025. 

Tickets go on sale on Friday, 9 May at 9:00 am AEST at vividsydney.com.

About Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2025 theme, 'Dream', sparks imagination and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation. 

Martha will reflect on her extraordinary career, the evolution of her personal brand and the changing face of food, design and home life. She'll also share candid insights into her most memorable moments in popular culture—and what it really takes to stay relevant for over four decades. 

"I have made some wonderful memories traveling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career", says Martha Stewart. "I'm always looking for inspiration when I travel so I'm excited to see what Sydney has to offer."

In Conversation with Martha Stewart will take place at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, 28 May.

The first self-made female billionaire, Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award® winning television host, and best-selling writer of 101 books. The go to source for homemaking and culinary inspiration around the world, Martha didn't just live the American Dream - she defined it.

From her first book, Entertaining, published in 1982, Martha Stewart has remained a household name.  Never far from pop culture's pulse, she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2023 and, last year, was the subject of Netflix's watercooler documentary Martha.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini says, "Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable, and one-of-a-kind events to visitors. It's incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year's theme of Dream more than Martha Stewart."

Martha Stewart is the latest in Vivid Sydney's Global Storyteller series, designed to bring together the world's brightest minds and creative leaders to provide new forms of creative exchange and interactive engagement. Previous speakers include, pop culture sensations Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, comedic visionary Amy Poehler, local superstar Troye Sivan, and Hollywood trailblazers Baz Luhrmann and Spike Lee. 

Vivid Sydney will be held from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June. Tickets to In Conversation with Martha Stewart are on sale Friday, 4 April at 9.00am AEDT at vividsydney.com.

Transforming Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity for 23 nights, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival features spectacular light installations, music performances, thought-provoking ideas, and culinary experiences that attract visitors from around the globe. Now in its 15th year, Vivid Sydney 2025 offers international travellers an unforgettable winter experience showcasing Australia's cultural capital.

Over 75% of the program and the entire Vivid Light Walk will be free to enjoy. The Light Walk showcases world-leading animation and projection technologies, with exclusive commissions including late Australian artist David McDiarmid's "Kiss of Light" illuminating the Sydney Opera House, Vincent Namatjira's "King Dingo" on the Museum of Contemporary Art, and fashion label Romance Was Born's "House of Romance" on Customs House.

International celebrity chef Nigella Lawson will curate three exclusive Vivid Sydney Dinners in the spectacular Muru Giligu tunnel. "Having loved it for years, it is the hugest thrill to be part of the Vivid Food program," Lawson said. The popular Vivid Fire Kitchen and Chef Series events will also return, celebrating NSW cuisine.

The Ideas program features global thought leaders including TIME Magazine's Creative Director D.W. Pine and sleep scientist Professor Matthew Walker. Netflix's "Stranger Things: The Experience" makes its Australian debut at Luna Park Sydney, offering fans an immersive adventure designed by the show's creators.

Music highlights include performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House by international acts Anohni and The Johnsons, Portishead's Beth Gibbons, Iceland's Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Japanese Breakfast. Free concerts at Tumbalong Nights will showcase global artists alongside Australian talent.

"Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city," said The Hon. John Graham, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the festival's Dream theme is something that we all experience, and it can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.

"Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying. These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney's program this year.

Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com

Vivid Sydney Partners

Samsung is a returning Major Partner for Vivid Sydney 2025, activating in Cockle Bay Wharf with a dramatic light and water show. Official Partners include Estée Lauder, returning for its second year, and Ausgrid, powering Vivid Sydney's Tumbalong Nights program.

Airbnb is once again Vivid Sydney's Community Partner, supporting the volunteer program, and the Charity Partner for 2025 is Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.

Media Assets

Click here for VNR package including interviews, artwork renders and b-roll footage.

SYDNEY, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The curtain will close tonight on Vivid Sydney 2024, after an incredible 23 days and nights of Light, Music, Food and Ideas. The lights will go out at 11pm across Vivid Sydney's festival footprint which has transformed Sydney's glittering harbour, iconic landmarks and cityscape into a showcase of creativity and innovation for the last three weeks.

The Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival featured the world's most innovative artists, culinary talent, contemporary musicians and thought leaders as part of its 2024 program under the theme of 'Humanity'.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: 

"It was incredible to watch Sydney's living legacy once again come alive as locals and visitors from around the country – and the world – took part in Australia's largest event. 

"The 23-day festival has energised the city with a vibrant program exceeding expectations. Both Sydneysiders and visitors enjoyed the thriving night-time economy and a showcase of Sydney's finest talent across creative, entertainment, and hospitality industries.

"Preliminary figures confirm Vivid Sydney's enduring popularity, captivating audiences and sharing exceptional talent. From the diverse Vivid Music program featuring over 80 events to the popular Vivid Fire Kitchen, the festival presented a multi-faceted experience for everyone to enjoy."

Vivid Sydney Festival Director, and curator of Vivid Light and Vivid Food, Gill Minervini, said:

"Vivid Sydney has once again inspired and entertained locals and visitors alike, showcasing the world's best creativity, innovation and technology across our Harbour City.

"There's so much of this year's festival that was a highlight for me. Seeing Reg Mombassa's band Dog Trumpet perform in front of Gumscape with Road and Creatures at Customs House forecourt was truly spectacular. A great spot for a performance and an awesome audience, this is something I have dreamed of doing for a long time.

Another standout has been Nest by Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban at the Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo. The blend of incredible creatives and world leading technology provided one of the most memorable moments at Vivid Sydney this year.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited Vivid Sydney this year, and to our Vivid Sydney volunteers and all those who have been instrumental in bringing this festival to life."

Vivid Music curator, Julian Ramundi, said:

"The sheer energy of Vivid Sydney 2024 was incredible and I'm so proud of the program. Vivid Music at Machine Hall was a highlight, from international headliners Underscores and Deerhoof packing Machine Hall to special events like Club 4A and Grand Silky Ball taking the venue to new heights, this year's festival has been a celebration of creativity."

Vivid Ideas and Special Events curator, Rachel Healy said:

"There have been so many highlights this year; from the rapturous messages from those who participated in A THOUSAND WAYS at the State Library of NSW to the hilarious Window Dressing on The Goods Line, to the energy and education of the Sex Work walking tour, this year's program has radically changed the way ideas are communicated with creativity and imagination at the forefront."

VIVID SYDNEY 2024 FESTIVAL RECAP

Vivid Light

Thirty light installations and 3D projections completed this year's 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk, highlighted by the Sydney Opera House, featuring the breathtaking new digital artwork, Lighting of the Sails: Echo (2024) by multidisciplinary Australian artist and 2023 Archibald Prize Winner Julia Gutman, with creative technologists Pleasant Company with soundtrack by Angus Mills.

Reg Mombassa reimagined the classic Aussie road trip on Customs House for Gumscape with Road and Creatures, and festival goers stepped into a canopy thick with countless LED ropes in the technicolour, immersive installation Connection by New Zealand artist, Angus Muir.

Dark Spectrum: A New Journey returned to the Wynyard Tunnels, the internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sound, Lightscape, returned to The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Festival goers also witnessed a 40km stretch of rainbow lasers emanating from the Sydney Tower, a universal symbol of hope by US artist Yvette Mattern titled Global Rainbow.

Vivid Music

One of the hottest festival tickets, Tekno Train by Paul Mac, became a sell-out, one-of-a-kind interactive experience that transformed a Sydney Trains ride into a moving, sensory sound and light experience, while the reimagined 100-year-old substation Machine Hall pulsated with performances from Deerhoof, Jen Cloher, CLUB4A, No Fixed Address and more.

Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour also became the Vivid Sydney go-to for free and contemporary music right in the heart of the Light Walk for Tumbalong Nights. The 12-night line-up featured artists such as Sneaky Sound System, Forest Claudette, Teenage Jones, tiffi, Budjerah, grentperez, and more, plus DJs and kids programming on Saturday nights, all free of charge.

Diverse and multi-sensory experiences were on offer at Carriageworks, with an electrifying line-up including Electric Fields, Yves Tumor, Yasiin Bey and many more.

The Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House line-up featured more than 50 Australian and international artists. Air, Arca, Underworld, Fever Ray, Sky Ferreira, Snoh Aalegra, Devonté Hynes and many more took to the stages of the world-famous building in a program curated by Sydney Opera House's Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall.

Vivid Ideas

One of the fastest selling events on the 2024 program, Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® winning actress and comedian Amy Poehler headlined Vivid Ideas for a special and unmissable In Conversation event at Sydney Opera House, which included a special first look at Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2.

Another Vivid Ideas sell out, Sex Work: A legal and social history, offered an immersive look into the sex industry of Kings Cross and Darlinghurst, while the Golden Age of Humanity showcased nine films over nine nights curated by nine great Australians including Amar Singh, Saxon Mullins, Kylie Kwong AM, Kate McClymont AM, Craig Foster AM and more.

A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, Window Dressing and Shifting Perspectives offered immersive moments to connect with both strangers and ourselves, while Tony Gustavsson, head coach of the CommBank Matildas, and CommBank Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold shared an insightful conversation – Champions of Change - facilitated by Matildas alumni and now journalist Grace Gill at Sydney Town Hall.

Vivid Food

One of Vivid Food's most hotly anticipated dining experiences, Vivid Residence, returned within Kiln restaurant at Ace Hotel Sydney with Latin America's best female chef, Manoella 'Manu' Buffara.

Vivid Chef Series returned to hatted restaurants Fred's, AALIA, The Porter House, Firedoor and The Charles Brasserie & Bar for unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Ivan Brehm, Selassie Atadika, Niklas Ekstedt and Sally Abé.

Vivid Fire Kitchen was a fan favourite among festival goers, popular for its delectable offerings at its new location on The Goods Line, which included an illuminated full-scale Messina Milk Bar pop-up with a menu of gelato-infused chocolate bars, dixie cups, tailor-made milkshakes and spiders.

Our Shared Humanity presented a series of exclusive dinners at Refettorio OzHarvest with the state's best chefs, including Christine Manfield, Darren Robertson, Mitch Orr and more, plating up their unique take on a three-course vegetarian menu, made using rescued NSW produce.

VIVID SYDNEY PARTNERS

Vivid Sydney would like to thank its Partners for their support of Vivid Sydney 2024.

• Kia returned as major partner for a third year, presenting two visually immersive activations on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk – EV9 "Kia Kinetic" at Circular Quay and EV5 "Kia Kaleidoscope" at Darling Harbour.
• Australian Traffic Network (ATN) partnered with Vivid Sydney to deliver the Love is in the Air drone shows.
• Sony Music Entertainment Australia returned for a second year with two ticketed immersive light events, Dark Spectrum: A New Journey, at the Wynyard Tunnels with Mandylights and Culture Creative, and Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, in collaboration with Culture Creative.
• Samsung also came onboard as a Major Partner of Vivid Sydney 2024, to present Chorus of Light, an immersive activation on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, designed to tap into our desire for connection through the enablement of barrier-free communication, inspired by Samsung Galaxy AI technology.
• Airbnb as the inaugural Vivid Sydney Community Partner, supporting the Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program.
• Official partner Sennheiser presented the Sennheiser Mirrorbox, an audio experience merging AI analysis, sound design and visual elements to explore the relationship between sound and human identity.
• Estee Lauder partnered with Vivid Sydney as an Official Partner, with an activation during the festival with Beauty Sleep, integrating elements of beauty and science.
• Supporting Partners included City of Sydney and Nova 96.9.
• Supplier partners included Cinewav, Event Engineering, Mandylights, Technical Direction Company, Transdev and Kennards Hire.
• Returning for the second year, the Local Business Program Partner was Experience Oz Australia.
• Vivid Sydney program partners included Carriageworks, Disney, Museum of Contemporary Art and Sydney Opera House.
• The Vivid Sydney 2024 Charity Partner was Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which translates to Doctors Without Borders.
• Vivid Sydney locations included Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Barangaroo House, Golden Age Cinema, Machine Hall, University of Technology Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, North Sydney Council and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

For more information on Vivid Sydney go to www.vividsydney.com. Get social with @vividsydney #vividsydney.

ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, 'Humanity,' sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.

ABOUT DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

Tickets available from vividsydney.com

SYDNEY, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivid Sydney 2024 has kicked off its 14th year with a spectacular opening night, as the festival transforms Sydney's glittering harbour, iconic landmarks and cityscape with a showcase of creativity and innovation for the next 23 nights.

The Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival will run from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June, featuring the world's most innovative artists, culinary talent, contemporary musicians and thought leaders as part of its 2024 program under the theme of Humanity.

The 'Lights On' moment wowed onlookers with over 30 light installations and 3D projections across the famed 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk, highlighted by the Sydney Opera House featuring the breathtaking new digital artwork, Lighting of the Sails: Echo (2024). Created by multidisciplinary Australian artist and 2023 Archibald Prize Winner Julia Gutman, with creative technologists Pleasant Company, the projection on the Sydney Opera House Sails digitises centuries-old fabric making techniques into an animated, modern epic.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

"The bright lights of Vivid Sydney are officially on.

"For the next 3 weeks Sydney will showcase the magical lights, art and fun of Vivid Sydney. There is something for the whole family, so I encourage everyone to come along and make the most of Vivid Sydney this year."

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

"Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has been a global platform showcasing our vibrant culture, bustling nightlife and creative talents.

"Going from strength to strength in its 14th year, Vivid Sydney shows the world our colourful creative side. Vivid Sydney shows the world we have big dreams.

"With the majority of this year's festival being free, we're looking forward to welcoming visitors back again in the millions.

"Tonight, we begin 23 days of Light, 23 days of Music, Ideas and Food. 23 days of shared experiences. For the next 23 days, Sydney will be beautiful by day, Vivid Sydney by night."

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said:

"Vivid Sydney is the original festival of light, art and culture, and we're proud to be celebrating its 14th year with an incredible line-up of light, music, ideas and food under 2024's theme of Humanity.

"It is such a privilege and honour to direct this year's program and we're so excited to bring festival-goers a calibre of Australian and international talent that not only maintains the standard we've set in previous years but takes the program to new heights. Vivid Sydney 2024 is a must-see, and we can't wait to welcome all Australians and global visitors alike for the next 23 nights!"

Staged across the Sydney CBD, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, University of Technology Sydney, The Goods Line, Wynyard Tunnels, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, and more. 

For more information and tickets visit vividsydney.com.

VIVID SYDNEY HIGHLIGHTS

VIVID LIGHT

As the sun goes down each evening during Vivid Sydney, the city will transform with light installations, 3D projection artworks and ticketed events for visitors to immerse themselves in a new world of colour and light across the 8km Vivid Sydney Light Walk.

• Vivid Sydney has again partnered with Cinewav, enabling visitors to listen to the soundtracks to select projection artworks wherever they are on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk
• From almost anywhere in the city, visitors will witness a 40km stretch of rainbow lasers emanating from the Sydney Tower, a universal symbol of hope by US artist Yvette Mattern titled Global Rainbow
• One of Australia's most-beloved artists, Reg Mombassa will reimagine the classic Aussie road trip on Customs House for Gumscape with Road and Creatures
• Celebrated Chinese Australian artist Guan Wei's signature iconography will transform the Museum of Contemporary Art for Sea, Sand and Stars
• Nest, a collaboration between Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban, features a large-scale circular projection at the Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo, spotlighting the ritualistic mating dance of the brolga and humanity's connection with nature
• Step up to the Omnivisu view finder in Tumbalong Park, and let your eyes become the literal windows to our city's soul
• Horizon from Spanish artists Playmodes is a hypnotic, full-body experience complete with trance-like sounds and strobing lights at Harbour Park, Barangaroo
• Towering over 15 metres tall, PORTAL from Lucid Creates frames Barangaroo Headland with a glowing display of light and atmospheric sounds
• The Vivid Sydney 2024 drone show Love is in the Air will feature more than 700 drones over three separate nights for another fan-favourite Vivid Sydney spectacle over the harbour
• Dark Spectrum: A New Journey returns to the Wynyard Tunnels in new and fantastic ways to take us on a journey of light and sound
• The internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, colour and sound, Lightscape, returns to The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

VIVID MUSIC

Vivid Music will ignite the city with a curated program of live performances, concerts and DJ sets across diverse venues, with something for the whole family, at any age.

• Exclusive to Vivid Sydney, Tekno Train by Paul Mac is a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains ride into a moving, sensory sound and light experience
• The reimagined 100-year-old substation Machine Hall will be open to the public for the very first time during Vivid Sydney 2024, pulsating with performances from Deerhoof, Jen Cloher, CLUB4A and No Fixed Address 
• On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights of the festival, Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour will become the Vivid Sydney go-to for free and contemporary music right in the heart of the Light Walk for Tumbalong Nights. The 12-night line-up features artists such as Christine Anu, Sneaky Sound System, Forest Claudette, Teenage Jones, , tiffi, Budjerah, grentperez, and more, plus DJs and kids programming on Saturday nights all free of charge
• Comedy darling Rhys Nicholson and ARIA award winning musician Georgia Mooney will transform Mary's Underground into an intimate cabaret lounge for the Vivid Sydney Supper Club featuring live performances and appearances from MO'JU, Don't Thank Me Spank Me, Montaigne, Brendan Maclean, Mark Humphries and more each Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 1am
• Diverse and multi-sensory experiences at Carriageworks, with an electrifying line-up including Electric Fields, Yves Tumor, Yasiin Bey and many more.
• The Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House line-up features more than 40 Australian and international artists. Arca, Air, Underworld, Fever Ray, Devonte Hynes, Snoh Alegra, Sky Ferreira, Thelma Plum and many more will take to the stages of the world-famous building in a program curated by Sydney Opera House's Head of Contemporary Music Ben Marshall

VIVID IDEAS

The Vivid Ideas program sparks curiosity with new ways to experience ideas through the exploration of humanity, community, authenticity, respect, love and lessons learnt from the natural world – with theatre, installations and engaging discussions just the beginning.

• From the football team that united Australia in 2023, Tony Gustavsson, head coach of the CommBank Matildas, and Mackenzie Arnold, celebrated CommBank Matildas goalkeeper and captain of West Ham United, will be hosted in an insightful conversation – Champions of Change - facilitated by Matildas alumni and now journalist Grace Gill at Sydney Town Hall
• Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® winning actress and comedian Amy Poehler will step inside the Sydney Opera House for a special and unmissable In Conversation Ideas event and a special first look at Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2
• After The Fact will offer opportunities to engage in free weeknight discussions on current affairs with writers, journalists, ex-politicians, social commentators, artists and academics – including Annabel Crabb, Rhoda Roberts AO, Kim Williams AM, Lucy Turnbull AO, Charles Firth and more
• Unique experiences including A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, Window Dressing and Shifting Perspectives will offer immersive moments to connect with both strangers and ourselves
• The Golden Age of Humanity will showcase nine selected films over nine starry nights at Surry Hills' beloved Golden Age Cinema - curated by nine great Australians including Amar Singh, Saxon Mullins, Kylie Kwong AM, Kate McClymont AM, Craig Foster AM and more

VIVID FOOD

• Vivid Chef Series returns to hatted restaurants Fred's, AALIA, The Porter House, Firedoor and The Charles Brasserie & Bar as they host unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Ivan Brehm, Selassie Atadika, Niklas Ekstedt and Sally Abé
• Vivid Fire Kitchen is also back in 2024 with delectable offerings at its new location on The Goods Line, bringing together the world's hottest culinary concepts, curated drinks and cocktails from Archie Rose and Starward, and entertainment with demonstrations from local and international pitmasters including California-favourite Shalamar Lane, Christine Manfield, Mindy Woods, Lennox Hastie, Jess Pryles, and more
• Making its debut at Vivid Sydney 2024, the Messina Milk Bar will be an illuminated full-scale pop-up with a menu of gelato-infused chocolate bars, dixie cups, tailor-made milkshakes and spiders from the cult-gelato innovators at Messina
• A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez is set to showcase women in Australian gastronomy at the incredible Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House
• Plates with Purpose will offer a taste of Ukraine at Kyiv Social, courtesy of head chef, Borys Chernyk who brings over 30 years of experience in Ukrainian fine dining
• Visitors can explore over 20 top chefs and restaurateurs at the VividPlace Food Trail or indulge in a bespoke bar snack and cocktail experience at Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, offering an incredible view of the lights across Sydney Harbour

VIVID SYDNEY PARTNERS

Vivid Sydney thanks its Partners for their support of Vivid Sydney 2024.

• Kia returns as major partner for a third year, presenting two visually immersive activations on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk – EV9 "Kia Kinetic" at Circular Quay and EV5 "Kia Kaleidoscope" at Darling Harbour.
• Australian Traffic Network (ATN) will partner with Vivid Sydney to deliver the Love is in the Air drone shows, with three shows on 8, 9 and 15 June planned to wow audiences during the festival.
• Sony Music Entertainment Australia returns for a second year and presents two ticketed immersive light events, Dark Spectrum: A New Journey, at the Wynyard Tunnels with Mandylights and Culture Creative, and Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, in collaboration with Culture Creative.
• Samsung also comes onboard as a Major Partner of Vivid Sydney 2024, presenting Chorus of Light, an immersive activation on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, designed to tap into our desire for connection through the enablement of barrier-free communication, inspired by Samsung Galaxy AI technology. 
• Airbnb is the inaugural Vivid Sydney Community Partner, supporting the Vivid Sydney Volunteer Program.
• Official partner Sennheiser presents the Sennheiser Mirrorbox, an audio experience merging AI analysis, sound design and visual elements to explore the relationship between sound and human identity.
• Estee Lauder will partner with Vivid Sydney as an Official Partner, activating during the festival with Beauty Sleep, integrating elements of beauty and science.
• Supporting Partners include City of Sydney and Nova 96.9.
• Supplier partners include Cinewav, Event Engineering, Mandylights, Technical Direction Company, Transdev and Kennards Hire.
• Returning for the second year, the Local Business Program Partner is Experience Oz Australia.
• Vivid Sydney program partners include Carriageworks, Disney, Museum of Contemporary Art and Sydney Opera House.
• The Vivid Sydney 2024 Charity Partner is Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which translates to Doctors Without Borders. 
• Vivid Sydney locations include Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Barangaroo House, Golden Age Cinema, Machine Hall, University of Technology Sydney, State Library of New South Wales, North Sydney Council and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Visit the Vivid Sydney News Room to download the full 2024 Vivid Sydney Lights On content package including a VNR with grabs from Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham, Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini and Vivid Sydney artists, as well as high-res imagery and broadcast-quality b-roll video footage: www.vividsydney.com/news-room.

ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, 'Humanity,' sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.

ABOUT DESTINATION NSW 

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

Tickets on sale now via vividsydney.com

SYDNEY, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Train travel will never be the same again: in an Australian first, Vivid Sydney today announced Tekno Train by Paul Mac, a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains service into a moving, sensory sound and light experience for 23 nights only.

Exclusive to Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, and in collaboration with Sydney Trains, Tekno Train by Paul Mac is set to radically reinvent the experience of train travel as a thrilling musical adventure for a limited time only.

Passengers will be treated to an original techno soundtrack composed by Paul Mac especially for Tekno Train, accompanied by immersive custom lighting that illuminates inside all carriages. As the train moves, the lights and music will rhythmically adjust to match the train's speed and changing landscape outside, crafting a melodic and unforgettable ride through both Sydney's city circle and disused train lines.

Ticketholders will take their seat on what appears to be a standard K set train, however as the train leaves Central Station, the adventure begins. Hidden lights and speakers will create a communal experience with synchronised lights, driven by techno music. The project sees Paul Mac continue a musical journey that shares his unique and emotional electronic dance music language in an unexpected setting.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: "Multi-ARIA Award winner Paul Mac composing the tracks on the tracks will lift a routine experience like jumping on a train in the city into a joyous moment and a unique, shared experience.

"Vivid Sydney keeps finding new and unique locations, and programming memorable one-off experiences, Tekno Train raises the bar yet again in 2024."

Creator and composer Paul Mac, said: "Trains have always fascinated me. Their mix of rhythmic clicks and clacks, the screech of metal on metal, and the sound and smell of brakes are all interesting sensory experiences that everyone can relate to. Tekno Train will take things one step further. It will drive the music and lights, turning a commuter journey into a sensory rollercoaster."

Embodying Vivid Sydney's 2024 theme of 'Humanity', Tekno Train by Paul Mac celebrates the uniting power of music and community, leaning on a routine experience to create a joyous moment that brings people together. As public transport and mass transit become more vital in a sustainable future, the project will encourage audiences to find moments of joy, togetherness and wonder in the everyday.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: "This year's Vivid Sydney is focused on broadening perspectives, challenging preconceptions and celebrating humanity. Tekno Train by Paul Mac is a perfect example of how multiple artforms from the world's brightest artists can transform everyday activities into something truly memorable. We're thrilled to be able to work with Transport for NSW and Paul to bring this magical experience to our wonderful city and create unforgettable experiences that will captivate audiences from around the world."

Tekno Train will offer two different 60-minute routes for festivalgoers to choose from, both departing from Central Station:

• The Scenic Route: Sit back and take in the sights and sounds of North Sydney as your journey is lit up over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and down a secret spur line to Lavender Bay. This is the slower of the two journeys and is better suited to families with kids ages 5 and up.
• Tech Express: Take it up a notch and go deep beneath the city with a pulsing techno thrill ride through City Circle and South Sydney. This is the more lively, full-bodied journey for those seeking a more fast-paced immersive experience.

Tekno Train by Paul Mac promises to be a highlight of Vivid Sydney, running every night of the festival from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June. Tickets for the experience start at $13.90 for children (5-12 years) and $19.90 for an adult. Family pricing is also available at $59.90.

Tekno Train won't be the only train on the network doing extra trips for Vivid Sydney. Throughout the Vivid Sydney season 400 additional rail services will be running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as additional bus and light rail options.

Tekno Train by Paul Mac is created and composed by Paul Mac in collaboration with Vivid Sydney and produced by Performing Lines. Lighting design is by SimpleMotion, audio design by Jands Pty Ltd, creative consultation by Garry Wotherspoon with additional music production and technical assistance by Luke Warren.

The project is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Create NSW, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its primary arts investment and advisory body, and the Wales Family Foundation.

Tickets for Tekno Train by Paul Mac are now on sale here.

For more information and to keep updated about the Vivid Sydney program, go to vividsydney.com

MEDIA CONTACT: 

ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, 'Humanity,' sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.

ABOUT DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

ABOUT PERFORMING LINES 
A leading national producing organisation for 40 years, Performing Lines champions independent artists right across Australia. Performing Lines support artist-led practice as a powerful force of contemporary cultural expression, fostering new ways of thinking, collaborating, and bringing people together. With over 500 productions delivered worldwide, they pioneer new ways of working, creating connections and advocating for cultural equity and participation. Believing in the unifying power of complex conversations, working with artists to push boundaries, champion diverse voices, and shape the future of contemporary Australian performance.

ABOUT PAUL MAC
Paul Mac, a multi-ARIA Award winner, is known for his work with Itch-E & Scratch-E, a genre-defying collaboration The Dissociatives, with Daniel Johns, and co-producing Ngaiire's "Blastoma". His extensive solo music catalogue for film, TV and theatre include Bangarra, Sydney Theatre Company and Kath & Kim. He recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he now lectures in Contemporary Music Practice. His DJ duo alongside jonny seymour, Stereogamous, have worked with LCD Soundsystem, Rufus Du Sol, George Michael, Sia, and Kylie Minogue. His last major project was the large-scale narrative choral work The Rise and Fall of Saint George about the attacks on a much-loved mural of George Michael after the Marriage Equality vote, wowed audiences at Sydney Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

ELEVATE Sydney brought together a diverse mix of Australian artists and genres and had something for everyone. The outdoor event featured a jam-packed program from children's entertainment, sport themed variety shows, disco, youth, First Nations, pop and more.  

The event also featured the biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Highlights of ELEVATE Sydney included:   

• ELEVATE SkyShow, an Australian first, featuring 500 choreographed drones over Sydney Cove as a natural amphitheatre, creating a mesmerising light show forming elaborate patterns set to an original soundscape. A boomerang, a waratah and a series of animations told a powerful story of Sydney's past, present and hopes for 2022 
• Final Night performances featuring Tones And I and Tim Minchin  
• ELEVATE Encore with ARIA Award-winning Australian artists Peking Duk and Lime Cordiale 
• A contemporary Call to Country designed by Rhoda Roberts AO and performances by leading First Nations artists Electric Fields and Troy Cassar-Daley 
• Children's entertainment including by The Wiggles, Bluey and Junkyard Beats  
• Disco night with Marcia Hines, Leo Sayer and Courtney Act 
• ELEVATE Music featuring BVT, CXLOE, Hauskey, L-FRESH the LION and Ngaiire 
• The best of Aussie sporting culture with live conversations from sporting legends and athletes including Australia's most successful Olympian Emma McKeon 

For more information on events and experiences to enjoy in Sydney and New South Wales go to visitnsw.com or sydney.com. Share your Feel New Summer moments with #FeelNSW and #FeelNewSydney

For more information about what's on in Sydney and NSW, go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com  

NOTE TO EDITORS

 *Download the ELEVATE Sydney content package including daily highlight footage and image selects here.

About ELEVATE Sydney

ELEVATE Sydney is a six-day entertainment and cultural celebration featuring a blockbuster line-up of live music and performers from NSW performing on Sydney's Cahill Expressway. Launching for the first time in 2022 from 1 to 6 January, ELEVATE Sydney is part of NSW Government's initiative to turbocharge the recovery of the NSW visitor economy and reaffirm Sydney's position as a global events destination, and the live music and entertainment capital of Australia. ELEVATE Sydney is owned and managed by Destination NSW, the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency.

About Destination NSW  

Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State's tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State's visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions. 

Striking avatars of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid illuminated the Pylons of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge accompanied by a dazzling light display across the Bridge arch.

Sydney joined eight other cities around the world – Tokyo, London, New York, Stockholm, Rio, Reykjavik, Berlin, Cape Town – in celebrating the much-anticipated album with vision of the Sydney Harbour Bridge featured in a livestream on ABBA's official YouTube Channel.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox described the Sydney Harbour Bridge tribute as fitting recognition of ABBA as one of the world's most enduring bands.

"Sydney is proud to join eight other great cities around the world, to celebrate this significant milestone for one of the world's greatest bands, ABBA. We know that the vibrant imagery of ABBA illuminated onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge will bring hope and inspiration to all, inspiring our international friends to start planning their trip to Sydney for when international borders re-open."

For more than four-decades, Sydney has held a special place in ABBA's hearts since they visited in 1977 on their first and only tour of Australia.

"We couldn't be more thrilled for Sydney to be part of our global album launch. Sydney has always been a special city to us and we have wonderful memories of the time we spent performing in Australia, said ABBA.

Adam Ireland, General Manager, BRING said; "When we heard of the imminent release of ABBA Voyage and unwrapped stories of the band's history with Sydney, we knew there was no better fit than DNSW, and no better place than our wonderous harbourside. Streaming data backed up our vision, showing that Sydney has the fourth highest volume of streams for ABBA, exceeding global benchmarks."

Significant locations included in ABBA's visit to Sydney in 1977, during their first and only tour of Australia, included:

• Opening the tour with a performance at the former Sydney Showground, Moore Park on 3 March 1977 to an audience of 20,000 people. All four members of the band recall this concert as the most memorable of their career. Sydney Showground is now located at Sydney Olympic Park and hosts hundreds of world-class events each year.
• A visit to Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches to the home of Nine Network owner at the time, Reg Grundy. While in Narrabeen, ABBA would have enjoyed the internationally renowned surf break, swimming in the ocean pool, bush-walking, kayaking and SUP at Narrabeen Lagoon.
• Accommodation at the luxurious Hilton Sydney on George Street, which today features GLASS Restaurant by celebrity chef Luke Mangn, the roof-top Zeta Bar and the perfect inner-city location to explore the nearby Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour.
• Said hello to koalas, kangaroos at Taronga Zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour.
• Enjoyed a cruise on the picturesque Hawkesbury River, a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney. Visitors to the Hawkesbury enjoy landing on the river in a Sydney Seaplane for lunch at Cottage Point Inn or Berowra Waters Inn, wander the Windsor Heritage Walk, sample local produce on the Harvest Farm Gate Trail and horse riding at the Hawkesbury Valley Equestrian Centre.

To follow in ABBA's footsteps and plan a trip to Sydney, go to www.sydney.com.

Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.

Please stay up to date on the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19 and travel within NSW, here.    

Note to editors

Media Assets: Visit the Destination NSW Media Centre to download editorial content, video and image assets of the ABBA Voyage activity in Sydney: https://media.destinationnsw.com.au/abba-illuminates-sydney-harbour-bridge

About Destination NSW

Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State's tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State's visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

About BRING

BRING. The Catalysts of Culture.
BRING are a creative agency, part of the world's leading music-based entertainment company, Universal Music Group, unmatched in developing and marketing the planet's most influential artists. BRING offers brands unique ways to connect to fans through Universal Music's world-class talent, tools & capabilities. They create Cultural Capital for Australian brands, turning fan love into brand love. Harnessing unparalleled streaming data, they create bold, strategic and relevant work for some of Australia's biggest brands, including American Express, KFC, Klarna, Powerball, Oppo, Adobe & more. Bring have previously won multiple global and local awards for their work on Wrigley's and Air New Zealand, among others. 
Find out more at: www.bring.com.au