The sails of the Opera House will light up tonight as Sydney’s annual Vivid Festival kicks off. The festival is known for its spectacular light show, which is expected to attract over 550,000 visitors, but that’s only the icing on what the next fortnight has to offer. Whether it’s food, music, or a good old fashioned debate you’re after – Vivid has something for you.
By Che-Marie Trigg
The Main Attraction
The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will light up with over 100,000 LED lights and, this year, members of the public have the opportunity to control the colours and placement of the lights on the bridge! If you want to take the light show in to your own hands, head to the interactive touch screen on the Luna Park boardwalk.
The Vivid Light Walk
This year’s Vivid Light Walk will cross the bridge to North Sydney, expanding the reach of the event, which was previously confined to the CBD. Darling Harbour, Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary are just a few of the buildings that will feature light displays for the event.
The Music
Expect to be on the receiving end of some amazing music, as international acts Bobby Womack, Kraftwerk and UK’s Heritage Orchestra visit our shores for the festival.
Australian acts such as Empire of the Sun, Cloud Control and C.W. Stoneking will also take to the stage.
The Food
Once your ears and eyes have been satisfied, treat your taste buds to a visit to one of the many restaurants that are joining in on the party.
Circular Quay’s BAR100 are offering two courses for $45 or three for $55 for the duration of the festival. Set inside a heritage listed church and overlooking the Overseas Passenger Terminal, it is the perfect location from which to view the light displays while having a bite to eat.
Just a short stroll from the festivities in the harbour, The ArgyleXchange has four venues to keep you occupied. Indulge in a Japanese cocktail at Saké Restaurant and Bar, gulp down some oysters at Anana’s Bar & Brasserie or sink your teeth into a steak at The Cut Bar and Grill before dancing until the wee hours at The Argyle.
Set yourself up in the heart of the action at Guillame At Bennelong, right beneath the colourful sails of the Opera House. Enjoy views of the harbour alongside the best local produce created by French- influenced chef Guillame.
Wind down at the end of the festival at the Vivid Terminal Bar, which is to hold a spectacular pop-up dining, music and lights extravaganza to celebrate the final weekend of the festival. Located in the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney dining stalwarts like Bourke Street Bakery, Panama House and Mexicano will be dishing up some delicious street food as you get your final glimpse of the lights.
Running from May 24th until June 10th, the Vivid Festival is sure to cast a bright light on the city as the dark days of winter approach.
Visit www.vividsydney.com for more information
Watch the highlights from the 2012 event below!
