The 13th edition of Vivid Sydney began with an impressive opening night that featured a meaningful Welcome to Country, fireworks, beams illuminating the harbor, drones, and a moving Lighting of the Sails display at the Sydney Opera House.
At Vivid Sydney’s First Light event, the Welcome to Country was organized by Rhoda Roberts AO, the First Nations Advisor. The performance included artists from various First Nations and language groups, such as Yothu Yindi, Tenzin Choegyal, Chantel Cofie, and the African drum and dance ensemble Wontanara. It was a call-in country performance.
The opening of Vivid Sydney was celebrated with a unique ceremony that included a drone show by Australian Traffic Network. The show counted down the seconds until the night sky above Sydney’s iconic landmarks and skyline was lit up by colorful explosions. At the same time, the Sydney Opera House’s sails showcased the artworks of the late Australian artist John Olsen.
For the next 23 days, the biggest light-based art and culture festival in the Asia-Pacific, known as Vivid Sydney, will be taking place in Australia. Over 300 events and activities will be featured, showcasing some of the world’s most innovative artists, talented musicians, and thought leaders. The theme for this year’s festival, “Vivid Sydney, Naturally,” is inspired by the beauty of Mother Nature.
According to the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, Vivid Sydney is not just a light festival. It has now become a top-notch program showcasing all cultural aspects of the city. This year, the event is honored to host world-class creative talents once again.
“Fourteen years ago, Vivid Sydney launched for the first time. Vivid Sydney was a chance to be mesmerized by light shows, music and a cultural story about this place. This festival, now the largest in Australia, was ahead of its time. In that first year, an incredible 225,000 people came to see the show. Last year, 2.6 million people experienced Vivid Sydney,” Mr Graham said.
“I am looking forward especially to Vivid Music – seeing our venues come alive with some incredible artists – it is one of the best programs to date. This year, we add Vivid Food- a smorgasbord of tasting and dining events building on one of Sydney’s great strengths, its food and beverage culture. Above all – between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food – I hope you enjoy what is at the heart of this festival – Australia’s biggest – a chance to celebrate together as a community.”
According to Festival Director Gill Minervini, Vivid Sydney 2023 has the largest program in the festival’s history. The first night provided a glimpse of what to expect during the 23-night event.
“Vivid Sydney is the original festival of light, art and culture. This year is the 13th time it has been staged and tonight’s spectacular opening is representative of a festival that has come of age and evolved to meet the needs of its audience in 2023,” Ms Minervini said.
“We are truly proud of this year’s program. 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. There are world-firsts and festival-firsts, and both free and ticketed events to make the festival accessible to everyone.
“I think tonight has shown why audiences should be prepared to be blown away by the caliber of talent this year and a program that has been inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature. You do not want to miss Vivid Sydney 2023!”
The Vivid Sydney festival takes place in various locations throughout Sydney’s city center, such as Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, The Goods Line, Central Station, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Wynyard Tunnels, Carriageworks, and Taronga Zoo, among others.
