Scores of people from around the state will descend upon Sydney in coming weeks for Vivid, the celebration of light, music and ideas.
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After being shelved for two years, the world-renowned festival suitable for families, tourists and singles ready to mingle is returning to transform the harbour city into a kaleidoscope of colour with more than 200 events between May 27 and June 18.
"The ... program is bursting with new events, venues, locations, performances, and experiences which are sure to delight audiences," said Stuart Ayers, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney.
"The inaugural Vivid Sydney Dinner in the Ivy Ballroom will be a huge event. If you are after something new outdoors, try The Goods Line, and take in the incredible light projections and installations with fantastic free DJ performances. The Convergence laser display in the disused railway tunnel will be a fan favourite."
Staged over 23 nights, the festival will feature "mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, uplifting live music performances and deep-dive discussions from the world's brightest minds", according to Destination NSW.
For the first time the Light Walk will stretch for eight kilometres, linking the Sydney Opera House to Central Station with 47 installations and projections including more than 200 LED sculptural birds.
This year 11 locations will ignite (two of which are new) and include Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Darling Square, Darling Quarter, The Goods Line, Central Station, Luna Park and Taronga Zoo, all coming to life with a mesmerising kaleidoscope of light artworks to wow visitors and locals alike.
Festival Director Gill Minervini, who will deliver her first Vivid Sydney in 2022, said of the program she was most proud of First Light on May 27, The Gospel According to Marcia and Vivid Sydney Supper Club.
"Plus, I'm really looking forward to hearing Lisa Wilkinson in conversation with Gretchen Carlson, who's astonishing story inspired the movie Bombshell starring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie," she said.
For the full guide of what's on and where, visit: www.vividsydney.com.
HOW TO GET THERE
For Illawarra and South Coast folk heading to the festival, taking public transport may be a better option as finding a parking space could prove difficult amongst the masses.
Either catching the train locally, or driving to Waterfall and boarding a train there, could be an option. Otherwise booking a hotel for the night and staying the night is another option.
Train stations nearest to Vivid locations include: Central (best for UTS, catch Light Rail to Darling Harbour), Circular Quay (best for Darling Harbour and Sydney Opera House), Redfern (best for Carriageworks), Martin Place (for Sydney CBD), Milsons Point (best for Luna Park) and Taronga Zoo Wharf (best for Taronga Zoo).
For more details on public transport, visit: www.trasportnsw.info.
WHERE TO STAY
Destination NSW suggests to be close to the action in the city they recommend to stay in The Rocks, Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont or North Sydney.
Destination NSW's website Sydney.com contains lots of information to help with accommodation selection, and to find out what else is on offer in Sydney for you to enjoy during your visit.
HIGHLIGHTS
If you've only got time to catch a few events, Destination NSW has put out these recommendations:
- First Light, Friday 27 May, Campbells Cove: A moving Welcome to Country ceremony and performance which will open the festival, this first for Vivid Sydney will celebrate the Gadigal people and Country. First Light includes a smoking ceremony, a specially commissioned dance piece by NAISDA students, a pyrotechnic display and Sharing the Same Life Essence Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon projections. Rhoda Roberts AO is the Creative Advisor for First Light.
- Vivid Sydney Dinner, Saturday 4 June, Ivy Ballroom: A celebration of all things Sydney, join host Justine Clarke for a feast for the senses featuring "love letters to Sydney" from renowned artist Ken Done and journalist/author Julia Baird. With music performances by the Vivid Sydney Brass Band, James Morrison, Ngaiire, Virginia Gay and Kate Monroe, a NSW inspired feast created by chefs Dan Hong and Mike Eggert, as well as a bespoke Vivid Sydney lighting experience.
- Vivid Sydney Supper Club, Friday & Saturday nights: Iconic music venue Mary's Underground is the venue for this variety style show incorporating musical theatre acts, cabaret, dance, drag, comedy, surprise guests, acoustic pop-ups, jazz, DJs and more. Curated by beloved actor, cabaret performer, and drag artist, Trevor Ashley, the event is headlined by talents such as Mahalia Barnes, Emma Pask, Bob Downe and Tim Freedman.
- Vivid Ideas Global Storytellers, Gretchen Carlson and Troye Sivan, Sunday 29 May, Sydney Town Hall: Taking to the stage at 1:30pm on 29 May is US journalist and former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, whose story inspired the movie Bombshell starring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie. Gretchen will discuss power imbalances and toxic workplace culture with Australia's own Lisa Wilkinson. Later in the day at 5pm, singer-songwriter, global superstar, arts lover and fashion maverick Troye Sivan will also take to the stage, revealing his take on beauty, creativity and queer politics.
- Vivid Sydney Light Walk: In 2022, the renowned Light Walk is the longest continuous in the festival's history, stretching 8km from Sydney Opera House to Central Station. Visitors will have more room than ever before to explore the light installations and projections. The Light Walk will feature over 200 LED sculptural birds guiding the path as part of artist Chris Daniel's Future Natives installation and will pass through Central Station and The Goods Line for the first time.
- Ephemeral Oceanic: Another festival first is the 100m floating Light Walk on the waters of Walsh Bay, incorporating the large-scale artwork Ephemeral Oceanic. Produced by Sydney's own Atelier Sisu, visitors are invited to walk under and around more than 200 giant, bubble-like spheres hovering eight metres in the air.
- Our Connected City: Created by Sydney's Mandylights, Our Connected City will shine new light on the city's landmarks, beaming a record 200+ searchlights across Sydney Harbour, CBD buildings, and the Cahill Expressway while also linking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in riotous colour.
- Sydney Infinity: Also on water, Darling Harbour's Cockle Bay will dance with the showstopping Sydney Infinity by Oracle Liquid, an epic water sculpture on a scale never seen before in Australia. Two different shows featuring dynamic jets, 12 x 80m high water shooters and dramatic lighting supported by a soundtrack from Sydney's own Pee Wee Ferris, this is set to be an audience favourite.
- The Gospel according to Marcia, 9-10 June, St Stephen's Uniting Church: In a Vivid Music world premiere, legendary Australian music icon Marcia Hines will enliven audiences with this world-premiere show for two-nights only in the uplifting surrounds of St Stephen's Uniting Church. Marcia will be joined by a 12-piece choir and band set against an atmospheric bespoke lighting backdrop, celebrating the sounds of her gospel roots.
- Tumbalong Nights: Vivid Sydney presents a line-up of free live music events and short film screenings in Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park. Young and old can groove the night away to Mo'Ju, Milan Ring, Mildlife and the Gordon Koang x Sampology collaboration.
- DJs at The Goods Line: A free line-up of DJs will pay homage to Sydney's vibrant DJ heritage every night, including Ebony Boadu, Stereogamous and Soul of Sydney DJs, in another new addition to the program.
- Vivid Music at Central Station, From 4 June: Vivid Music 2022 flips the script on traditional performance, hosting events at surprising venues across Sydney to offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Don't miss the free program of live music on Central Station's Grand Central Concourse, which will pull back the curtains to host life-affirming musical performances including The Morrisons, Lolo Lovina and Cope St Parade.
- Vivid Ideas Up Late: A series of free events at Sydney's museums and galleries celebrating the creatives and artists at the beating heart of the city. Hear from storytellers such as Ben Law, Brigid Delaney, Stephen Page and Sara Mansour at the Australian Museum or join fun interactive nights at the Powerhouse celebrating Sydney's Queer history and Sydney's unique fashion and style with talks by designers such as Romance Was Born.
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