This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 22, 2017
Sydney has long been synonymous with landmarks like its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and since 2009, it has been gaining renown as the venue for the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. This year, Vivid Sydney will be held over 23 days from May 26 to June 17, with a programme slated to include 65 lighting installations, 250 music events across 30 inner city venues and hundreds of talks and events.
Said to be where art, technology and commerce intersect, the festival is going from strength to strength featuring, among its trove of events, the world’s most creative industry forums, and a spectacular free public exhibition, in addition to the transformation of Sydney into a ‘light art’ wonderland — a stage for a cutting-edge contemporary music programme and a platform for Asia Pacific’s annual celebration of innovation, creativity and community.
Vivid Sydney 2017 has a programme lineup to tempt the most diverse of tastes and interests, and here’s a list of the top ten things to see and do at the festival.
1) Listen
Exclusive performances by electropop queen Goldfrapp (June 2) and many others like Fleet Foxes (May 26), Air (June 3), Richie Hawtin and Laura Marling (June 12), a sample hailing from an impressive number of near 50 musical genres which will be featured at Vivid Sydney 2017.
2) See
In terms of scale, Vivid Sydney 2017 is the biggest-ever display of light technology, visual arts and performance to be staged worldwide. The beyond spectacular display will make for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. In addition to the pop-up landmark “Sydneyland” as a beautiful iconic photo backdrop, the streets of Barangaroo will debut as a light-up destination with a growing trail of installations through intimate laneways and past waterfront vistas.
3) Network
A platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas for entrepreneurs, businesses and creative leaders, Vivid Sydney 2017 will shine bright as a networking and learning hub to harness and leverage on innovation, technology and collaborative networks among all sectors.
4) Connect
Tarongo Zoo joins in the ‘bright light’ fun with its own cache of amazing light sculptures and lanterns. If you happen to be there, visit the zoo to meet a cast of new characters and surprises, and learn about animal conservation too.
5) Dine
To make the most of the panoramic Sydney skyline and its nightime illumination during Vivid Sydney 2017, why not dine alfresco at the myriad of stunning harbourside locations to inner-city heritage makeovers especially at open-air wine and dine establishments like Opera bar, Zephyr and Charlie Parker’s?
6) Cruise
Sail past the Sydney Opera House and illuminated Sydney ferries under the multicoloured Sydney Harbour Bridge during the light show in the evenings for a magical experience to remember for a long time.
7) Great outdoors
Journey beyond Sydney’s city streets for an idyllic getaway to the great outdoors. Whether its kayaking through the sunset, trekking from Bondi to Coogee beach via the beautiful coastal walk or attempting to scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, these activities are absolutely made for an adrenaline high.
8) Chill
If you’re flying in from the tropics, the cool respite offered by Sydney’s mild and pleasant winter during this period of time comes as a completely rejuvenating experience.
9) Feast
Experience the best of Australian cuisine by taking a memorable food tour down the pop up restaurant street. Whether you are heading to Martin Place for a uber trendy “hot coals” Porteno treat or visiting the Vivid night market for its wide array of delectable offerings, delicious is the word.
10) Travel
If you want to pack in some travel and sight-seeing while experiencing Vivid Sydney 2017, these packages are worth considering for being a fuss-free way to discover Sydney and greater New South Wales, at a good deal. Packages start from S$438 (RM1,366) and above per person for a 4-day, 3-night package that includes The Rocks Walking Tour, Sydney Opera House, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and Vivid Sydney, or from S$658 per person for a 4-day, 3-night package that includes a Vivid Sydney dinner cruise, a full-day tour of Blue Mountains, Port Stephens or Canberra.
For more information on travel packages including flights, accommodation and Vivid Sydney experiences, visit: http://sg.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/vivid-sydney