Vivid Sydney officially kicks off tonight, May 24, and like every year, promises to transform the city into a stunning cacophony of light, colour and sound. This year, the festival is back with larger-than-life displays, dazzling light walks, an exclusive foodie trail and immersive techno trains. The not-to-be-missed spectacle will also feature dozens of exemplary light displays and installations, most of which are completely free to visit. Wondering where to start? We’ve compiled a list of the very best installations that you absolutely must keep on your radar if you’re exploring Vivid Sydney’s massive 2024 edition.
1. Future Natives
This lit-up display combines two Instagrammable elements: neon birds mid-flight and an illuminated Sydney CBD. Representing native Australian birds, these light sculptures will include some of our most renowned and colourful species including the Rainbow Lorikeet and the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. If you consider yourself a birdwatcher, there are 13 sparkling sculptures to explore and learn more about. Get more information here.
2. Connection
This immersive light display beckons you to step inside an LED canopy. You’ll find this colourful display at Circular Quay at Hickson Road Reserve throughout the festival. Step inside the lush display, be surrounded by dazzling colour, and soak up the dynamic light and sound sequences. You can also press any of the eight posts inside the canopy and set off vibrant patterns. Read more about it here.
3. Nest
Another installation that features birds and reflects on our shared humanity is Nest, a highlight display taking over Barangaroo. Step inside a huge circular structure and witness the hypnotic movements of Brolga, a native Australian species of bird. The birds will be projected onto the transparent structure and as you walk around you can see the giant creatures float in and out of the nest. Read more about this installation here.
4. Stateless
Another installation in Barangaroo to check out this year features thousands of candles spread throughout Nawi Cove. Candles symbolise light in darkness and hope in times of need. This picture-perfect display aims to shed light on people around the world who are in a stateless condition and features over 4000 solar-powered LED candles. Read more about it here.
5. Embrace
Over at First Fleet Park in The Rocks, you’ll find a circle of life-sized silhouettes that respond to touch. As you step inside this interactive installation and touch the silhouettes, you’ll see them come to life with light and colour symbolising the human need for connection and community. The installation is free to attend and you can see it every evening throughout the festival. Read more here.
6. Shifting Perspective
This unique Vivid Sydney fixture combines dance and music with a light installation for an immersive experience. Walk past 24 reflective plinths as dancers weave in and out. This hypnotic event comes from Matthew Adey, well known for his spatial artistry in collaboration with Restless Dance Theatre. This is a ticketed event; get more information and snag a spot here.
7. Horizon
Another free installation that promises an otherworldly experience is Horizon which will take over Harbour Park in Barangaroo. As visitors gaze at a vision displayed on a giant screen ahead of them, mesmerising sound and light will fill the space highlighting the infinite scope of human potential. The installation is the brainchild of the Spanish studio Playmodes who produce immersive light and sound installations and will be open and free to visit daily from 6pm to 11pm. Please note that this installation includes strobe lights. Read more about it here.
8. Global Rainbow
Global Rainbow is a light installation that is set to shine bright over Sydney reaching as far as 40km from the Sydney Tower Eye where it will be beamed from. See it on the sensational Light Walk daily from 6pm to 11pm. Read more about the installation here.
9. Dark Spectrum
This immersive experience brings an illuminated 1-kilometre trail to the long-forgotten tunnels beneath Wynyard Station filling them with vibrant colour and music. On the way, you’ll find pop-up installations including lanterns, hundreds of illuminated arrows and much more. Read all about it and find ticket information here.