On Friday 6 August, Vivid Sydney will make its much-anticipated return to the Harbour City, transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of creativity, innovation, and technology.
If you’re in need of a little extra light right now, start getting excited, because, at this moment, there are only 99 days until Vivid Sydney.
Staged over 23 nights, the 2021 festival, starting on Friday 6 August, will fuse mesmerising art displays and 3D light projections with an eclectic line-up of musical performers, thought-provoking talks and workshops from some of the world’s greatest minds.
Joy and discovery

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney will bring back elements of joy and discovery to the CBD, kicking off with the launch of two showstopping Countdown Clocks, to count down each day to the festival’s Lights On moment.
“This is the festival for Sydneysiders and visitors from around the country – and New Zealand – to immerse themselves in our city at its creative best, to leave feeling energised and inspired about the future.”
Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney
“Vivid Sydney is a bright star on Sydney’s events calendar supporting the entire ecosystem of the state’s visitor economy during winter, from our artistic industries to entertainment and hospitality venues, accommodation provides and retailers,” Mr Ayres said.

The Countdown Clocks, a first in the 12-year history of the event, were designed by Vivid Light Curator Lucy Keeler and will be located in First Fleet Park, The Rocks and Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo.
Sydney visitors can check out these Insta-worthy timepieces, capture a selfie and share on social media using #vividsydney.
A virtual version will also feature on vividsydney.com counting down to 6 August.
Festival Director Gill Minervini said this year’s program offers a multitude of reasons for visitors to return throughout the festival, including a number of first-time program inclusions.

“This year, Vivid Sydney will deliver fresh experiences for our festival-goers to enjoy. For the first time ever, the waters of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour will come alive as a floating Light Walk incorporating a large-scale artwork called Ephemeral from Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu.
“The façade of Customs House, one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, will be brought to life with VORAX – an epic 3D tale of a mischievous thief’s rise to greatness from Hong Kong’s Treacle Media.
“And in The Rocks, artist Brad Robson and Esem Projects provide fascinating insight into the journey of creating Brad’s dynamic portraits through Point of View,” Ms Minervini said.
The full Vivid program is set to come out soon, so we’ll keep you in the loop when that happens.
Click here for more information.
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