Vivid Sydney launches with record crowds

Over 67,000 people have attended the opening weekend of the Vivid Sydney festival, with the increasingly popular event again transforming Sydney’s CBD with a spectacular display of light, music and ideas.

Opening the event on Friday evening (23rd May), NSW Premier Mike Baird stated “Vivid Sydney has become one of the city’s most anticipated events, drawing massive crowds from Sydney, interstate and overseas. This event showcases the state’s creative talent and transforms the way the city’s most famous landmarks are viewed using spectacular lighting displays and projections.

“Last year, the family friendly festival attracted an impressive 800,000 visitors, which in turn delivered a major $20 million boost to the NSW economy.

“This event provides a welcome boost to shops, restaurants, cafes and bars during the winter period and I’d encourage everyone to leave the car at home and take advantage of more than 3,500 additional public transport services on offer during the festival.”

Vivid Sydney is made up of more than 200 events that showcase NSW’s creative industries, including digital media, design, animation and music with this year’s festival expanded to five new precincts, including Martin Place, Carriageworks, The University of Sydney, The Star and Sydney Harbour. The event also features an expanded musical line up and 300 speakers at 180 creative industry events.

Sadly, the opening weekend has not been without incident.

A man drowned on Friday evening after falling into Sydney Harbour at Cockle Bay Wharf while reports of overcrowding, a serious problem towards the end of last year’s festival, have emerged over the weekend.

NSW Police have also urged Sydneysiders and visitors to plan their visits to Vivid Sydney in advance.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said police have been working with Destination NSW, the owner and manager of Vivid Sydney, and other government agencies to ensure each night of the 18-night festival is family-friendly and fun.

Assistant Commissioner Murdoch stated “a lot of planning has taken place behind the scenes to make sure everyone stays safe – whether they’re looking at the displays or not.

“There will be many visual distractions, so it is important for both motorists and pedestrians to travel with care and be aware of their responsibilities.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Sandra Chipchase added “with new precincts like Martin Place, we are expecting even more people to come and see Vivid Sydney this year, and we are sure with all the measures in place, it will be a great family-friendly environment and festivalgoers will have an excellent experience.”

Last year, more than 800,000 people experienced Vivid Sydney.

Click here to view the full Vivid Sydney 2014 program.

11th June 2013 - HUGE VIVID FESTIVAL CROWDS OVERWHELM SYDNEY CBD TRANSPORT