After a record-breaking 23 nights, the lights have finally gone out on Vivid Sydney 2016 which has been widely acclaimed as the best ever. The world’s largest festival of light music and ideas has captivated the imaginations of Sydneysiders, as well interstate and international visitors.
“Festivals of this magnitude don’t just happen and I’d like to thank the Vivid Sydney team, who delivered 90 light installations and projections throughout the city, programmed 190 Vivid Music gigs and hosted 658 speakers at 183 Vivid Ideas events,” said Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the 509 dedicated Vivid Sydney volunteers who have been the face of the festival and worked across 1,860 shifts helping local and international visitors over the 9,300 hours of the event. We truly appreciate the volunteers taking the time to be a part of Vivid Sydney and contributing to visitors’ positive experiences of the event. I can’t wait to see Vivid Sydney shine in 2017.”
Visitors to Vivid Sydney delighted in light art including: The Cathedral of Light at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Songlines on the Sails of the Sydney Opera House, Be the Light for the Wild at Taronga Zoo, and the world-record setting Dress Circle installation.
“Sydneysiders have fully embraced this festival and are proud to share it with local and international visitors. From fantastic speakers at Vivid Ideas events, wonderful performances at Vivid Music, and of course the spectacle of Vivid Light, we are on track to break a few records when final figures are known,” said Sandra Chipchase, Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer of Vivid Sydney.
“Whilst there were some challenges this year with severe weather and queues to experience the most popular installations, the Festival continued to shine throughout the city. I’d like to thank all participants, volunteers, sponsors and visitors for their support and contribution to making Vivid Sydney 2016 such a success.”
Vivid Sydney cements the global city’s position as a creative capital of the Asia Pacific, showcasing art, technology and innovation. For more information, visit: www.vividsydney.com for details.
Image: Vivid Sydney 2016, Laser Dragon Water Theatre – photo courtesy of Destination NSW