Vivid Sydney 2023 – A Flashback

From dazzling light installations to spectacular music performances, Vivid Sydney 2023 offered a feast for the senses from 26th May to June 17th. As one of the most anticipated events in Sydney's cultural calendar, this year’s festival brought together artists, musicians, and creators from all over the world to showcase their talent and transform the city into a breathtaking wonderland.

As night descended upon the iconic harbour city, people were enthralled by a breathtaking display of lights, music, ideas and food that ignited their senses and left them mesmerised. With so much to see and do, locals and tourists alike found it challenging to decide which events to attend. Let’s take a trip back to memory lane and throw a spotlight on the highlights of Vivid Sydney 2023.

Vivid Lights - Luminous Light Installations

Sydney transformed into an ethereal beauty that breathed life into its most iconic landmarks. The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more became majestic canvases for awe-inspiring light projections that told stories of imagination and inspired a sense of awe. The cityscape bathed in a radiant tapestry of colours, casted an enchanting spell upon anyone who marvelled at its magical glow.

The biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere – “Written in the Stars'' took everyone on a magical journey of stars and constellations. This spellbinding event featured over 1,000 drones across six breathtaking shows that lit up the night sky over Circular Quay.

One of the ideal vantage points to view these mesmerising spectacles–a Vivid Sydney cruise.

A Vivid Sydney Cruise -The Ideal Vantage Point

For prime views of the Vivid Lights, nothing beats a Vivid Sydney cruise. Sydney Showboats is an authentic paddlewheeler with a theatre-dining saloon that has cathedral windows, spacious decks and wrap-around verandahs for the best views on the harbour. The ambience rekindles the romance of a bygone era with an old-world charm, perfect for the on-board live entertainment– the sensational cabaret show “Voyage of Love”. It’s a spectacular experience to take in the breathtaking views of the Vivid Lights as you relish your 3-course at your reserved tables or sip drinks from a wide range of beverages,purchased from the licensed bar on board. Yes, a Vivid Lights spectator experience aboard the showstopper Showboat Vivid cruise was one of its kind.

Vivid Music - Captivating Music And Performances

Everyone knows, Vivid Sydney isn't just about visual spectacles; it's a celebration of music and live performances too! People grooved to the beats of talented musicians and witnessed awe-inspiring live acts. Whether you're a fan of jazz, rock, or electronic music, the festival's diverse lineup had something to offer for everyone. These were some of the must-experience highlights -

• DJs at the Good Line
• Trevor Ashley/Vivid Sydney Supper Club
• Cornelius + Nice Biscuit/ Tumbalong Nights

Vivid Ideas - Innovative Ideas And Talks

Vivid Ideas, an integral part of the festival, invites visionaries, thought leaders, and creative minds from various fields to share their ideas and insights. People engaged in intellectual conversations, gained fresh perspectives, and immersed themselves in a world of innovation and possibility.

The ‘Vivid Ideas Exchange’ curated 22 events for this year's festival theme – 'Vivid Sydney, Naturally', which aimed at challenging and questioning the conventional understanding of what was considered 'natural'. The diverse range of topics spanned from mental-well being to sexuality, from alterations to the human body to exploring alternative lifestyles and desires. Here goes the line up of some of the events –

• How To Grow Well And Try Not to Die
• Storytelling - It’s in our Nature
• Monogamy - The Natural Way to Love?

Vivid Food - Delightful Culinary Experiences

With the introduction of the new pillar – Vivid Food, Vivid Sydney went on a culinary adventure with a delightful array of food and beverage options. From gourmet food markets that served delectable street food to pop-up bars that offered innovative cocktails, the festival provided the perfect opportunity to indulge your palate while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. These were a few hot and happening events -

• Light Up Your Senses at The Pylon
• The Taste and Sound of Sydney
• Play with Your Dinner

Vivid Sydney 2023 is not just a festival; it's an invitation to embrace the extraordinary. The luminous landscapes, the pulsating music, the artistic wonders that graced the city was an experience in itself. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Vivid Sydney enthusiast, this year's festival promised to be an unforgettable journey through a world where creativity knew no limits.