Author: Sydney Spectaculars

Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, lit up the harbour city tonight as the much anticipated annual 18 day event, on this year from 22 May to 8 June, got underway.

Sydney’s iconic landmarks, its harbour and urban spaces were transformed by 3D projections and over 60 light installations including the sails of the World Heritage Sydney Opera House.

Just seven years since it first began, Vivid Sydney will again take its visitors from across the world on a journey of creative discovery using light, music and ideas as its platform. Last year, the festival welcomed 1.43 million people.

“For 18 days and nights visitors will experience Sydney like never before as the city bursts with creativity and sheer, brilliant light. It’s truly an un-missable event, and one which we are very proud of,” said NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres.

Vivid Light stretches across The Rocks, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay, Martin Place in the Central Business District, The Star & Pyrmont as well as new areas for Vivid in 2015 – Central Park in Chippendale, awarded the world’s best tall building, and Chatswood to the city’s north. Lighting artists from around the world were invited to submit their creative ideas, with 140 chosen from 16 countries to create their unique works during Vivid Sydney.

The Vivid Music program of cutting edge music including Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House showcases unique performances and collaborations, presenting over 90 performances in venues across the city including Grace Jones, Sufjan Stevens, Daniel Johns and legendary Australian band The Hoodoo Gurus.

Vivid Ideas brings audiences some of the most intelligent and creative minds, who will be together for talks, seminars, conferences, workshops and forums on a grand scale. With 150 sessions and over 400 speakers, the Vivid Ideas program boasts highlights including Multi-Emmy winning writer Matthew Weiner – series creator and exec producer of Man Men and former executive producer of The Sopranos, and Tyler Brûlè, founder of Wallpaper and Monocle magazines and one of the most influential global figures in publishing and branding. Weiner and Brûlè will share their insights following their worldwide success in the creative industry.

“Each and every year, Vivid Sydney aims to connect and inspire people in a shared, vibrant, multicoloured experience. Vivid Sydney puts art into the hands of the public, giving visitors a visually triumphant feast of artistic and technical innovation,” said Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of Destination NSW, the State Government’s tourism and major events agency, which owns and manages Vivid Sydney.

Some Vivid Sydney Top Picks:

1. See the Harbour in a spectacular new light
The famous Sydney Opera House will once again transform the sails into a colourful Living Mural from UK company, Universal Everything. Harbour Lights will see a fleet of boats change colours as they ferry through the waterways, and Paint The Town will let visitors take control of the city’s skyline and illuminate it in a rainbow of bright lights.

2. Visit the Argyle Cut to hear from Sir David Attenborough
Get lost in the magic of Mother Nature and hear a few words from Sir David Attenborough at The Argyle Cut from 7pm each week night, and 6pm on weekends. Life Story is based on four years of footage that was captured for BBC’s Life Story TV series and will bring The Argyle Cut to life with flowing natural imagery of birds, marine and animal life.

3. Hug a three-metre crocheted Dolly
Visit Dolly for a Vivid Sydney hug. The three-metre crocheted installation will surely be a favourite for young and old, as well as popular photo spot with the Sydney Opera House in the background. Don’t forget to #ilovesydney.

4. Martin Place hang-out space
Spend some time in Martin Place to see incredible light installations including Robotanic, Spectra and Drum Circle. Then take-on your friends with Intel’s a game of drones before heading to Transcendence, an incredible construction that boasts Real Sense technology, live art projections and some of Sydney’s best food offerings including Porteño, Thievery, Agape Organic, Cantina Mobil and the world-renowned Cow and the Moon.

5. Head to Chatswood and Sydney University
Vivid Sydney has expanded in 2015 so be sure to get to Chatswood to learn the underwater aquatic story of Norbert and The Nautilus and visit the Cabana Bar and 4 Pines Rooftop Bar at Night Markets at The Concourse for some refreshments.

The University of Sydney’s Vivid Path to the Future program kicks off from Monday 25 May and is worth a visit to experience its biggest program ever of light, music and ideas. Think awe-inspiring building projections, Little Creatures Craft Beer Bar and a jam-packed music program at the Seymour Centre. Get there.

6. Dance lovers, head to Central Park on a Friday or Saturday evening
Love to dance? Then head to Vivid Sydney’s new precinct, Central Park, on a Friday or Saturday night to bust a groove alongside Reko Rennie and Beastman’s street art inspired installation, at Silent Disco from 7.00pm. Choose your beats and dance along to tracks from two different Propaganda DJs, and then head upstairs to Keystone’s pop-up bar for a drink whilst overlooking the entire activation.

7. Sweet songs and sweet treats
After controlling electronic fireworks at Pyrmont Pyro in Pyrmont Park, head to the Vivid Lounge at Sky Terrace at The Star. Karaoke lovers can sing their favourite hit as their face is projected onto a nearby wall, and gamers can hit the video gaming station to relive their childhood. Also be sure to grab a sweet treat from The Star’s pop-up festival dessert bar.

8. Selfie lovers delight: Learn how to take the perfect snap
Chat with a roaming Canon ambassadors along the Circular Quay Light Walk who will give tips on how to take the perfect shot of Vivid Sydney whether it’s on a smartphone or SLR. Then head over to the You Are Here installation to master the perfect selfie with the Sydney Opera House as the background.

9. Eat, drink and celebrate everything Italian at Modulations at Carriageworks
If you love good food and Italian disco, then be sure to head to ITALO DINING AND DISCO CLUB to enjoy a dish at a pop-up restaurant from the incredible chefs from Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta, Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William St. Whilst devouring a bowl of pasta, guests will be entertained by Italian disco legend, Beppe Loda.
Dates: 31 May, 1 June, 2 June, 5 June, 6 June, 7 June.

10. Gamers and YouTube fans rejoice
The first ever event of its kind in Australia, Game|ON is worth a visit for anyone who is into gaming, social media, YouTube, vlogging and creating or developing. Some of YouTube’s biggest stars including fouseyTUBE, Jayesslee and The Royal Stampede will share their digital secrets at the Australian Technology Park from 22-24 May.

Visit www.vividsydney.com for the full Vivid Sydney program.

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

With just 1 day to go until Vivid Sydney sparkles throughout the city, passers-by were surprised and delighted tonight to see a preview of projections and installations in Circular Quay and The Rocks as final testing took place, before the biggest Vivid Sydney ever switches on at 6pm on Friday 22 May.

NSW Minister for Tourism, Trade and Major Events, Stuart Ayres said: “This year’s Vivid Sydney is truly captivating, and I’m sure it will impress local, national and international visitors for 18 nights from this Friday 22 May – Monday 8 June.”

“We saw a glimpse of what’s to come as Customs House was transformed into a stunning flora and fauna inspired projection called Enchanted Sydney that shows Sydney in all its glorious seasons. Just a short walk away, First Fleet Park wowed families with its hands-on installations including Swing Glow, Duck Duck Goose, BeatDice and Affinity. The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s (MCA) Mechanised Colour Assemblage was truly spectacular, and best of all visitors can enjoy these along the Vivid Sydney Light Walk for free.”

When lights switch on tomorrow at 6pm, the Vivid Sydney Light Walk will become a night time playground with 60 installations positioned from the Sydney Opera House, through Circular Quay, The Rocks and Walsh Bay. The world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney will also see 150 ‘Ideas’ events and over 90 music performances take place around the city, in addition to new precincts at Chatswood and Central Park, and extended programming at the University of Sydney, Pyrmont & The Star and Modulations at Carriageworks. An animated map that highlights the Vivid Sydney hot spots can be viewed below.

Vivid Sydney is owned and managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The largest event of its kind in the world, Vivid Sydney runs for 18 nights from Friday 22 May until Monday 8 June.

To see the program and to plan your trip to Vivid Sydney visit www.vividsydney.com.

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

 

Sydneysiders and visitors are being urged to plan ahead of time to ensure they see every sparkle, shimmer and shine of this year’s Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of its kind in the world.

Sydney’s CBD will be transformed into a spectacular display of light, music and ideas when lights go on tomorrow (Friday 22 May 2015). The 18-night festival will run every night between 6pm and midnight until Monday 8 June 2015.

Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller, was joined by Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, and Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, at First Fleet Park to launch Operation Amberdale today (Thursday 21 May 2015).

Operation Amberdale is a high-visibility policing strategy which will see additional officers patrolling from Circular Quay to Walsh Bay and other festival areas, including Martin Place, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Central Park, Chatswood and the University of Sydney, to ensure the safety of the community on each night of the event.

General Duties officers from Local Area Commands throughout the Central Metropolitan Region will be assisted by specialist officers from the Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Mounted Unit, Public Order and Riot Squad and Marine Area Command.

In addition to minimising traffic disruptions and pedestrian congestion, officers will be targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, boating safety, and protecting property and installations from damage or defacement.

Minister Ayres said with 1.43 million people attending last year’s event visitors should plan their trip in advance and be aware of changes to traffic and public transport.

“Vivid Sydney is bigger than ever in 2015, with a huge and exciting program encompassing lights, music and ideas, as well as two brand new precincts at Central Park and Chatswood,” Mr Ayres said.

“I’d encourage all attendees to plan their trip beforehand using the Vivid Sydney website and app, use public transport, avoid peak periods if possible and to always follows police instructions.”

“This will ensure you get the best possible Vivid Sydney experience,” Mr Ayres said.

Assistant Commissioner Fuller said with large crowds expected to visit Sydney CBD throughout Vivid Sydney 2015, public safety is the top priority.

“Police are working with Destination NSW, which owns and manages Vivid Sydney, and other government agencies to make sure all visitors can see all the festival has to offer and Operation Amberdale is in place for everyone to do it safely,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“This has become one of the city’s most popular events and with large crowds expected on weekends, we are encouraging families to consider visiting on weeknights.”

“It is easier and safer for young families to navigate between displays with strollers when it is less crowded.”

“On busier weekend nights, crowd barriers will be in place to provide safe viewing areas and police and event marshals will provide directions to allow for pedestrian movement.”

“There will be many visual distractions, so it is important for pedestrians and motorists to travel with care. When on the roadway, the most important lights to see are traffic lights.”

Pedestrians and drivers need to share the roadways and ensure they are aware of their responsibilities.

“We are urging pedestrians not to just follow the crowd. Remember the basics: STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“At the same time, motorists are urged to slow down and watch out in heavy pedestrian areas, particularly where there are displays.”

Road closures and special event clearways will in place to safely facilitate crowd flow and, like any major event in Sydney, police are urging everyone to leave their car at home and catch public transport.

“With more than 3500 extra trains and buses running throughout Vivid Sydney, public transport is the best option for travel to and from Sydney CBD and Chatswood,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“On some nights, road closures will impact normal bus routes and stops, so check transport information in advance.”

“Have a plan for your Vivid Sydney experience. Plan how you’re getting to the event, how you’re getting around and how you’re getting home.”

“Ferries have proven to be a popular way for people to get around and see the lights, especially on weekends, so allow additional travel time and consider having a back-up plan.”

With extra maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws.

“Sydney Harbour is expected to be busy during Vivid Sydney, so skippers should be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times,” Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

“Before heading out, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board and check special event maritime information.”

Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said that this year’s festival is a must-see, and is set to attract visitors from all around the world.

“With a vast and innovative program, Vivid Sydney will transform the city into a colourful canvas of light, music and ideas. “I look forward to welcoming visitors from around Australia and the world to our harbour city, to experience everything the festival has to offer,” she said.

For all the latest Vivid Sydney information, including road closure information and public transport information to help plan your trip, visit: vividsydney.com

Media Release: NSW Police Force

For the first time, a unique collaboration between two of Vivid Sydney’s leading programs – Vivid LIVE and Vivid Ideas – will see contemporary music innovators and artists from the Vivid LIVE line-up join a series of FREE talks at the Sydney Opera House, including TV On The Radio’s Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimp, Bill Callahan and The Preatures’ frontwoman Isabella Manfredi.

Sound Advice will be hosted by ABC’s Double J presenter Myf Warhurst, on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May in the Joan Sutherland Theatre’s Northern Foyer of Sydney Opera House.

In these exclusive sessions, Myf Warhurst will interview US singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, and The Preatures singer Isabella Manfredi. Myf will also delve into the business of music, speaking with Nic Warnock from indie record store Repressed Records and Royal Headache’s lead singer Shogun, the founders of Future Classic – Nathan McLay, Chad Gillard and Jay Ryves on their ten year journey to global success, and art rock icons Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio before they take to the Concert Hall stage for their Sydney Opera House debut.

Jess Scully, Vivid Ideas Curator, says “We’re thrilled to be able to secure some of the Vivid LIVE artists to delve into the big ideas behind the music. Vivid Ideas is all about the thought that artists put in to hone their craft, and innovative ways of getting new work to fans. The Sound Advice series will give audiences first-hand insights into the process behind the records and labels they love.”

Ben Marshall, Vivid LIVE Curator, says “As part of this year’s Vivid Live Sydney Opera House take over, I got in touch with the inimitable Jess Scully to discuss a free Vivid Ideas x Vivid Live collaboration. We both wanted to create a space for an intelligent and in-depth conversation with some of the key artists at Vivid Live and talk about their work in front of an engaged and interested audience. Myf Warhurst was our first choice of host and, thanks to Destination NSW and Double J, she’ll be hosting the incredible array of names who’ve agreed to let us take a look inside their remarkable creative worlds.”

Vivid Sydney is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, and is owned and managed by Destination NSW, the NSW government’s tourism and major events agency.

Tickets are available now from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive. Registration is essential as there is limited capacity available.

INDIVIDUAL EVENT DETAILS

Event: Vivid Ideas presents Sound Advice with… Isabella “Izzi” Manfredi (The Preatures)
When: 3:00pm – 3:45pm, Thursday 28 May
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer
Tickets: Available via registration from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive (limited capacity available)

Event: Vivid Ideas presents Sound Advice with… Nic Warnock (Repressed Records) and Shogun (Royal Headache)
When: 4:15pm – 5:00pm, Thursday 28 May
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer
Tickets: Available via registration from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive (limited capacity available)

Event: Vivid Ideas presents Sound Advice with… Future Classic – Nathan McLay, Chad Gillard, Jay Ryves
When: 5:30pm – 6:15pm, Thursday 28 May
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer
Tickets: Available via registration from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive (limited capacity available)

Event: Vivid Ideas presents Sound Advice with… Bill Callahan
When: 3:00pm – 3:45pm, Friday 29 May
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer
Tickets: Available via registration from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive (limited capacity available)

Event: Vivid Ideas presents Sound Advice with… Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio)
When: 7:45pm – 8:15pm, Monday 8 June
Where: Concert Hall Northern Foyer
Tickets: Available via registration from www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive (limited capacity available)

ABOUT MYF WARHURST

Myfanwy “Myf” Warhurst is ABC Radio station, Double J’s daily presenter and a highly respected music interviewer with over 20 years’ experience in the media. Myf is known by audiences through her previous work at triple j, hosting the Lunch program and on ABC Television’s long-running music-themed quiz show Spicks and Specks, which still runs primetime on repeat, each weeknight across
the country.

For more information visit www.vividsydney.com

Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House, 22 May – 8 June: For more information visit
www.sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive

Vivid Ideas, May 22 – June 8: For more information visit
http://www.vividsydney.com/ideas

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres today announced initiatives being delivered in 2015 to make Vivid Sydney more accessible and inclusive than ever before.

“Vivid Sydney is a festival that has something for everyone, so we are committed to making Vivid Sydney more accessible to encourage as many people to come and experience, what is now the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas in the world,” Mr Ayres said.

“Some new initiatives this year include increased viewing areas to provide easier access to those with mobility requirements and special needs, increased drop off and pick up zones, audio described tours and a dedicated Accessibility Customer Service Officer to help visitors plan their trip to this year’s festival.”

“This year we’re also delighted that Australian Paralympian, Hannah Dodd, has joined us as a Vivid Trail ambassador to present her own accessible Vivid Trail, which highlights seven installations from Campbell’s Cove to the Sydney Opera House,” he said.

Australian Paralympian, Hannah Dodd said: “I am so excited to share my top picks of Vivid Sydney installations and to promote this awesome festival to other people like me who have disabilities which affect their mobility.”

‘Have Wheelchair Will Travel’ blogger, Julie Jones said: “I visit Vivid Sydney every year with my son who has cerebral palsy. These new initiatives will make it easier for families like ours to get out and experience the city awash with colour. It really is the perfect event to enjoy together and something that we always look forward to.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said: “Vivid Sydney welcomes visitors from all over the world – making the event as accessible as possible for everyone will ensure Vivid offers an even better event experience.”

Other initiatives include:

• A specially designed accessibility map, which sets out the best route that is level and avoids steps. The map is available from vividsydney.com and at Vivid Sydney
  Information Booths
• Accessible information booths at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, which have
  lower counter tops for those in wheelchairs, plus offer water bowls for guide dogs
• Text to Talk function via vividsydney.com, which offers short descriptions of each Vivid Light Walk installation for screen reader or smartphone devices with accessibility options
• Limited special parking areas (Monday to Thursday) that can be pre-booked by disability groups and disability services within road closure areas, close to installations and projections
• Auslan interpreters at Vivid Ideas Game Changer major events. Game Changer venues including Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay and Sydney Town Hall offer hearing loop systems
• Audio described tours of ‘Lighting Of The Sails’ led by specially trained Sydney Opera House staff for people with vision impairment and their companions to experience the centrepiece of Vivid Sydney.

As crowds build at the weekends, it is recommended anyone travelling with special needs consider planning their trip earlier in the week and early in the evening when it is easier to move around.

Full details of the access and inclusion initiatives at Vivid Sydney are available at:
www.vividsydney.com/accessibility

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

Visitors to Darling Harbour, Pyrmont & The Star were treated to a preview of Vivid Sydney this evening with the spectacular Vivid Laser-Fountain Water Theatre shooting water jets 30 metres into the air and the Pyrmont Pyro digital fireworks display illuminating Pyrmont Bay Park.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said, “Vivid Sydney is world-renowned as an incredible festival that places art and technology into the hands of the public and tonight’s preview certainly reflected that.”

“Audiences played ten interactive drum kits located at Pyrmont Bay Park, creating a dazzling digital fireworks display that will no doubt captivate visitors to Vivid Sydney at Pyrmont & The Star.”

“At Darling Harbour, the Vivid Sydney Laser-Fountain Water Theatre enthralled visitors with a sensational show featuring fountain jets and spirals, lasers and dancing flames choreographed to an incredible soundtrack from Sydney band The Presets.”

“With just over 48 hours until Vivid Sydney lights up our Harbour city, I encourage everyone to start planning their visit,” Mr Ayres said.

Vivid Sydney is owned and managed by the NSW Government’s Tourism and Major Events agency, Destination NSW. The world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney runs for 18 nights from this Friday 22 May until Monday 8 June.

To see the program and to plan your trip to Vivid Sydney visit www.vividsydney.com.

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

Families will be spoilt for choice at Vivid Sydney this year with more interactive light installations than ever before, as the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas prepares for lights on from 22 May to 8 June.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, said: “Vivid Sydney is the ultimate winter family event. With more interactive light installations than ever before, there’s plenty to entertain big kids and small kids alike. It’s something that the whole family can get together to enjoy and it’s free.”

In addition to the crowd favourites of Circular Quay, Pyrmont & The Star and Martin Place, new precincts Chatswood and Central Park are set to give visitors more chances to trip the light fantastic in 2015.

“At the new Chatswood precinct, families can explore an underwater fantasy world as they follow the journey of Norbert the Nautilus. Visitors to Sydney’s internationally acclaimed urban village, Central Park, will see amazing animated street art from renowned contemporary artists projected onto the impressive heritage-listed brewery façade and a silent disco on the weekends,” Mr Ayres said.

With a week to go until the switch is flicked on for Vivid Sydney 2015, families are being encouraged to start planning their visit.

Destination NSW’s Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said: “In 2014, over 1.43 million people attended Vivid Sydney and the festival has firmly established itself as the ‘can’t miss event of the season’.”

“With more installations, projections and precincts than ever, we’re recommending visitors to plan their visit across a few nights, with Monday to Thursday evenings best suited to families looking to avoid crowds that build during the weekend.”

“There’s also the chance to start the Vivid visit ahead of the official 6pm start with Martin Place and Central Park on from 5:30pm each evening,” Ms Chipchase said.

Here are just five fabulous interactive light installations and projections perfect for family fun:

• Monster World – Located in The Rocks, here’s your chance for your little monsters to meet their alter egos. As people approach the installation, digital ‘monsters’ curiously follow their movements, occasionally mimicking their gestures in surprising and delightful ways.
• Swing Glow – First Fleet Park will host the ultimate playground adventure: Swing Glow. Illuminated, interactive swing sets will colour the air as children and adults swing into the night. Remember to let the kids have a turn.
• BeatDice – Pick up the illuminated sensor cubes, or ‘BeatDice’, to make some music and light the space. There’s a diverse spread of musical sounds and rhythms ranging from the viola to break beats.
• INTER/play – Step into a multiplayer world as the historic Cadmans Cottage turns into a magical canvas. As people move in front of the Cottage their movements are mapped and projected onto the building walls in a dazzling display of light and movement.
• a game of drones – Ever wanted your own drone? Here’s your chance. Take control of a playful swarm of colourful drones in a skyward bumper race using Intel-powered tablets, illuminating a massive, specially designed enclosure at Martin Place.
• Mission Control – at Pyrmont & The Star where youngsters and adults will be able to control a light show that will bring The Star rooftop and the Vivid Lounge at Sky Terrace alive.

Vivid Sydney is owned and managed by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. The annual 18 day Vivid Sydney event, staged from 22 May to 8 June in 2015, is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas.

For the full Vivid Sydney 2015 program, go to http://vividsydney.com

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres announced today that all grid-connected lighting installations at this year’s Vivid Sydney will be powered by 100 per cent GreenPower accredited renewable energy as part of a commitment to sustainability for the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas.

Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency which owns and manages Vivid Sydney, has partnered with the Banksia Foundation to measure and improve the event’s sustainability performance.

Mr Ayres said that although Vivid Sydney’s physical footprint is bigger than ever in 2015, its environmental footprint will reduce.

“Visitors to this year’s Vivid Sydney will be treated to the biggest program of light, music and ideas events yet, and I am pleased to announce that in 2015, each of the light program’s grid-connected illuminations, including all installations on the Light Walk and in Martin Place, will be powered by GreenPower accredited renewable energy,” Mr Ayres said.

The GreenPower Program, administered by NSW Trade & Investment, provides an independent audit of the renewable energy sector to ensure that the energy purchased is genuinely renewable and additional to regulatory requirements.

Banksia Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Graz van Egmond said, “We are excited to come on board as Vivid Sydney’s sustainability partner. While the majority of installations use energy-efficient LED lighting, our first task has been to assist Destination NSW in sourcing GreenPower accredited renewable energy. This is a great step forward in Vivid Sydney’s sustainability journey that we are very proud to be associated with.”

Destination NSW has engaged Powershop to supply this year’s Vivid Sydney lighting installations with GreenPower. The accredited renewable energy will be sourced from Albury, Eastern Creek, Awaba and the Tweed Shire.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Vivid Sydney is focused on innovation and creativity, and while the installations and projections will enthral its visitors, we are also ensuring the Festival supports a positive environment message.”

The use of GreenPower complements a number of Vivid Sydney environmental and sustainability initiatives including the use of efficient technologies, extensive promotion of the use of public transport, waste minimisation initiatives and adherence to sustainability policies within Vivid Sydney precincts, use of electronic ticketing, and the exploration of sustainable and environmental management solutions, ideas and technology within the Vivid Ideas program.

Media Release: Vivid Sydney

An innovative new mobile phone application is taking Vivid Sydney to the eyes and fingertips of people in China, encouraging them to plan a trip to NSW to experience the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, first hand.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the app uses augmented reality technology to transform images of Sydney landmarks into stunning Vivid Sydney highlights.

“Destination NSW will be sharing images of some of Sydney’s most iconic buildings on its Weibo and WeChat accounts in China and encouraging followers to scan the images using the new app. In just a simple click, users will see the landmarks come to life in 3D renders, projections, and a stunning video of Vivid Sydney highlights,” Ms Chipchase said.

“We’re also inviting followers to enter a competition to win a trip to Sydney and Regional NSW by sharing their favourite Vivid Sydney images using the hashtag #vividsydney.”

“This is a fantastic initiative to further engage with the 121,000 plus Weibo followers and 17,000 plus WeChat followers Destination NSW has in China. The app will also be promoted and shared though partnering social channels, with a potential reach of up to 18 million Chinese consumers.”

“Vivid Sydney is firmly established as a highlight on the world’s festivals and major events calendars, attracting a record 1.43 million attendees in 2014. In fact, more than 9,700 visitors from China travelled to Sydney on Vivid Sydney travel packages last year and we are aiming to see this visitation grow through new Vivid Sydney campaigns and activities,” she said.

China is the number one inbound visitor market for NSW. In the year ending September 2014, more than 443,000 Chinese visitors stayed 12.1 million nights in NSW and spent over $1.5 billion during their stay.

“The development of the app is another great example of Destination NSW’s initiatives to promote NSW in China, and comes on the back of recent announcements including a partnership campaign with Chinese agency CTrip to promote travel packages for Vivid Sydney, and our partnership with leading travel wholesaler China Travel International (Guangdong) Ltd,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Destination NSW also recently held a week-long, pop-up event in the Chengdu International Finance Centre to promote NSW to more than 100,000 shoppers and hosted 33 NSW tourism operators in China as part of the Greater China Mission.”

“In the digital space we have also launched Sydney.CN, a dedicated website hosted in China, to promote Sydney and NSW to travellers,” she said.

The Vivid Sydney augmented reality application is available for Apple and Android users to download in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Owned and managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney is set to once again transform the city into a colourful canvas of light, music and ideas for 18 nights from 22 May to 8 June.

For more information on Vivid Sydney visit www.vividsydney.com.

Vivid Sydney came to Chatswood for the very first time tonight to give a sneak peek of what visitors will enjoy from this Friday 22 May – 8 June 2015. A new Vivid Sydney precinct for 2015, Chatswood tells the story of Nautilus and the Sea, and takes visitors on a journey to an underwater fantasy from Chatswood Interchange to The Concourse in the bustling suburb to the city’s north.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres said: “Vivid Sydney at Chatswood is not only colourful and entertaining, but also offers an enthralling story. There is no doubt that the tale of Nautilus and the Sea told through magnificent lighting installations and projections will attract visitors who, I am sure, will be as mesmerised as I was.”

“It’s wonderful to see the success of Vivid Sydney spread into the city’s suburbs to allow even more people to experience what is now the world’s largest festival of Light, Music and Ideas.”

Tonight, in a special preview, the characters from Nautilus and the Sea came to life in grand installations along the path from Chatswood Mall to Chatswood Interchange. A Flowing River of Light, Jellyfish Chandeliers, an Aquarium, Norbert and Lieutenant Angler transform the popular Chatswood hub into a spectacular Vivid Sydney precinct. At The Concourse, an animation tells the full story of Norbert the Nautilus as he travels through the vast ocean, searching for a new home.

Vivid Sydney at Chatswood is set to be a popular precinct for all visitors to the event. With two bespoke venues, the 4 Pines Rooftop Bar and Night Markets at The Concourse and Cabana Bar popping-up for the festival, alongside the incredible story of Nautilus and the Sea, visitors are sure to experience Chatswood in a new light.

Vivid Sydney is owned and managed by the NSW Government’s Tourism and Major Events agency, Destination NSW. The largest event of its kind in the world, Vivid Sydney runs for 18 nights from this Friday 22 May until Monday 8 June.

To see the program and to plan your trip to Vivid Sydney, visit www.vividsydney.com.

Media Release: Vivid Sydney