‘Extraordinary’ Sydney Spectaculars – Page 4

Sydney Opera House Sails To Showcase Projections Of Previous Royal Visits By Charles & Camilla To Australia

Updated 6:30pm 17th of October 2024

The New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Chris Minns, today confirmed the Sydney Opera House sails will feature a projection show containing photographs of previous visits by Charles & Camilla to Australia on Friday night (18 October).

The projection show will begin at 8pm, to coincide with the beginning of their Spring tour to Australia and Samoa with their arrival in Sydney & will run on a 4-minute loop. It is likely only the western sails will be utilised & will finish sometime around Midnight, as is the case for the vast majority of Sydney Opera House projection shows.

The photos are curated by the NSW Government & reflect the diverse ways in which Charles & Camilla have engaged with & celebrated Australia over the years.

The announcement comes as King Charles & Queen Camilla are due to conduct a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House & a review of 5 ships of the Royal Australian Navy fleet in Sydney Harbour on 22 October. The Fleet Review was also announced today to finish at 5:20pm.

This will be the 2nd time the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated in recognition of a Royal event, though the 1st to be recognised as a ‘Sydney Spectacular‘. It was previously illuminated with an image of Queen Elizabeth II when she passed away in 2022. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was previously illuminated purple for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee a few months prior. Buildings in the central business district (CBD) were also illuminated on that occasion as well as during her iconic 1954 tour, when she became the 1st Monarch to step onto Australian soil. One of the very 1st Sydney Spectaculars, Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, also saw CBD buildings illuminated in 1887.

We are lighting up the Sydney Opera House to warmly welcome The King & Queen to our beautiful harbour city.

The photo projection on the Opera House sails celebrates a historic moment – The King’s first visit to NSW as Sovereign & is a fitting tribute.

I’ve made the point previously in relation to the Opera House, when it comes to events that are taking place in Sydney that will be our primary objective.

I also invite everyone to the Opera House forecourt next Tuesday afternoon to join The King & Queen.

The King is coming to Sydney & we obviously want to make sure he is warmly welcomed & that is what we’re going to do.

NSW is looking forward to hosting this milestone visit & I encourage everyone to make the most of it.
Chris Minns, NSW Premier

In unofficial event news, (that is not officially connected with the Fleet Review) the Australian Monarchist League, who welcomed the above news, will have a large team of volunteers who will be handing out 6000 flags at most places that King Charles & Queen Camilla will visit in Sydney.

This (Welcoming the above news) is particularly following his (NSW Premier, Chris Minns) mean-spirited cancellation of the lighting of the Opera House sails for His Majesty’s coronation in May 2023 & his open admission this week that he is a republican.

We are an Australian organisation without any ties to any other Monarchist organisation & this is the sort of positive thing (handing out flags) we have always done over the past 25 years for all tours by our former Queen, Elizabeth II & Charles, as Prince Of Wales and now Charles III as King Of Australia.
Phillip Benwell, Australian Monarchist League National Chair

The Australian Republic Movement responded to the comment above:

As we reflect on events like the Opera House being illuminated with images from past royal visits, we’re reminded of Australia’s historical ties to the monarchy. Lighting up the Opera House for King Charles may be a respectful nod to tradition, but it also underscores the growing belief that our national symbols should reflect our identity & aspirations. The Opera House, a powerful emblem of our creativity & independence, deserves to celebrate a future where an Australian head of state—chosen by & for Australians—is the figure we honour.

While the Royal tour will undoubtedly attract those who admire the monarchy’s celebrity allure, we know that many Australians are ready to look beyond this. For those who enjoy the spectacle, it’s the 1st opportunity in over a decade to see a reigning Australian monarch. Yet, for a growing number, it’s time to envision a new chapter for Australia — one where we are represented by 1 of our own as head of state.
Nathan Hansford, Australian Republic Movement Co-Chair

Historic Fleet Review Confirmed For Tuesday 22 October

The Australian Government has confirmed that the historic review of the Royal Australian Navy fleet on Sydney Harbour by King Charles & Queen Camilla will be held at 4:50pm on Tuesday the 22nd of October.

The *Admiral Hudson*
Photograph: Royal Australian Navy

Their Majesties will leave from Man O’ War Steps on board the Admiral Hudson to review 5 ships of the Royal Australian Navy fleet, a significantly slimmed down fleet review. These ships, anchored in Sydney Harbour, are:

HMAS Arunta
HMAS Gascoyne
HMAS Hobart
HMAS Warramunga
HMAS Yarra

HMAS stands for His Majesty’s Australian Ship.

Their Majesties will be accompanied by the Australian Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston & the Chief of The Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

As expected there will be no major pyrotechnic display, which is usually traditional for these events, particularly since the mid-1980’s. A 21-gun salute has not been confirmed yet.

A flypast by Australian Defence Aircraft has been announced to occur during the Monarchical Fleet Review. The fleet review will likely run less than half an hour. Vantage points for the Monarchical Fleet Review are:

Sydney Opera House
Royal Botanic Gardens
Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Their Majesties will also conduct a meet & greet at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, most likely the southern one, at 4:20pm. While gifts are not encouraged, in line with the Buckingham Palace gift policy, non-commercial gifts and flowers may be facilitated for offering to Their Majesties, though they may be subject to a security screening. Their Majesties will be accompanied by the New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Chris Minns & his wife,

There will be road closures in place, particularly from 3:50pm, so check Live Traffic NSW & NSW Police Force websites.

Gates to the Sydney Opera House will open from 3pm & portable toilets will be available. There will be a designated accessible viewing area reserved for people with a disability and/or accessibility needs. To register your interest, e-mail accessibility@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au as there are limited spots!

Vantage points for this historic fleet review will quickly go from around 3pm on the day with large crowds expected due to the edition’s historical significance. You may be subjected to a security screening at the event (definitely at the Sydney Opera House) & large bags, banners or umbrellas are not allowed at the event. If rain is forecast, please wear a raincoat or poncho.

Due to the road closures & extremely limited parking, it is recommended to travel to the Monarchical Fleet Review by public transport. You should plan ahead & leave the car at home, if possible.

The fleet review is still the only public event during Their Majesties’ visit in Sydney.

Non-public events include a community barbeque which has been today announced to be hosted by the NSW Premier in Parramatta with support from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. Invited guests from Western Sydney have been announced today to include community leaders and organisations, volunteers & individuals who have excelled in their field.

It was also announced today that the King will, at some point in Sydney, meet the current Australians Of The Year, Professors Georgina Long AO & Richard Scolyer AO, to hear about their world-leading cancer research and treatment. Simultaneous to this, Queen Camilla will also visit a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop & meet students and other attendees of the workshop series. The Queen will also meet esteemed authors at the workshop.

AO (Officer of the Order of Australia)

I invite everyone to head to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 October to attend this special event.

I look forward to hosting Their Majesties at the Western Sydney community barbeque to showcase this state’s rich culinary & cultural diversity, where they will also meet with a range of community organisations & outstanding Australians.

It is wonderful His Majesty is taking the time to meet with current Australians of the Year (also NSW Australians of the Year 2024), Professor Georgina Long AO & Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
Chris Minns, NSW Premier

What Is A ‘Fleet Review’?

A fleet review is essentially an inspection of a navy. The reviewer will be stationed on a ‘flagship’ – the main vessel used to review the fleet. For this fleet review, it will be the Admiral Hudson. Being the flagship does not indicate that it is the most important ship in the Royal Australian Navy fleet. The flagship will travel around Sydney Harbour to inspect the 5 anchored Royal Australian Navy vessels & for their sailors to salute and cheer the Monarch and Queen consort. The journey this fleet review will take will begin at Man O’ Steps & will likely be limited to a journey around Farm Cove. Its ultimate destination is unknown.

Rugby World Cups 2027-29 Considered An ‘Extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular Once Again

As of 28th October 2023, Sydney Spectaculars is considering the Rugby World Cups 2027-29 as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular. This follows the removal of the status on the 1st day of competition of the 2023 men’s tournament, following the lack of activation during the FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia & New Zealand 2023.

The reasoning behind the returning of the status is as follows:

A 3-minute fireworks display, using 2 barges & the upper arch and catwalk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as a Bridge Effect featured after the Rugby World Cup 2003 – Australia Final.
In 2019, World Rugby decided that the words ‘Rugby World Cup’ would now refer to both the men’s and women’s editions.
Sydney is the likely host city of the Opening Match & Final of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 was removed as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular on 5th April 2023 & despite having 13 Sydney landmarks, including the western sails of the Sydney Opera House, lit up in green & gold (except in 1 case where there was no green) on the night of a Round Of 16, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, 3rd Place Playoff or Final match involving the Matildas, this was insufficient for the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 to be returned as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular, particularly as it had no post-final Sydney Harbour fireworks display. The full reasons are detailed here.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 had an event attendance of 79,000 per event day.
The Rugby World Cup – France 2023 (men’s edition) had an event attendance of 90,000 per event day.
As the attendance of the men’s tournament of the Rugby World Cup is now higher than the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023, Sydney Spectaculars is of the opinion that, as of 28th October 2023, the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 should have its status as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular returned.

This is a major boost for Sydney’s event industry, culture & night-time economy. We will review this decision again after the Rugby World Cup – England 2025 (women’s edition).

A few days before our decision, World Rugby’s Council announced the biggest changes to the men’s tournament since it was introduced in 1987. The pool draw will be held “as late as possible” while the men’s tournament will be expanded from 20 to 24 teams with the Pool Stage featuring 2 additional pools but with 1 less team per pool (i.e. 6 pools of 4 teams). The tournament is also shortened by 1 week in the Pool Stage with 1 less weekend match day.

The decision to expand Rugby World Cup 2027 to 24 teams is logical & the right thing to do. With its love of sport & major events, Australia is the perfect place to do just that.
Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman

After the Pool Stage, the top 2 teams in each pool plus the best 4 3rd-place teams will qualify for a new a Round Of 16 prior to the Quarter-Finals.

This is a fantastic outcome for the Local Operating Company as we prepare to transfer from future host to next host of the men’s Rugby World Cup. Importantly, the decision made by the Council today will enable the Local Operating Company to move ahead with certainty & finalise the hosting details for the Rugby World Cup in Australia. We look forward to working in partnership with the Australian Government, our State/Territory governments & Rugby Australia over the coming months to do so.
Sir Rod Eddington, Rugby World Cups 2027-29 Board Independent Chairman

The Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with the men’s tournament, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027. The women’s tournament will be held in 2029 with dates yet to be determined but are likely to be held roughly in the same months as the preceding men’s tournament.

Today’s decision is the culmination of a process that began in May 2022 with a new Rugby World Cup hosting model, greater collaboration on reform of the international calendar & recognition that the sport needed to evolve.

A reduced pool phase with a more regular cadence of matches & the introduction of a Round Of 16 makes for a compelling & competitive pool phase where every match counts. To be able to achieve this new format in a reduced window while preserving important player welfare considerations is a huge step forward for the game & great for fans and players.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive

King Charles & Queen Camilla To Conduct Historic Royal Australian Navy Fleet Review On Sydney Harbour Next Month

Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles & Queen Camilla will conduct a review of the Royal Australian Navy fleet on Sydney Harbour in mid to late October in what is the King’s 1st visit to Sydney as reigning Monarch.

It will be the 1st fleet review since 2013’s iconic International Fleet Review, conducted by Prince Harry. The upcoming fleet review will be the 1st ever conducted by the reigning Monarch or Queen consort on Sydney Harbour. However, it is highly expected there will be no major pyrotechnic display, which is usually traditional for these events, particularly since the mid-1980’s, or any other major naval events for this occasion.

Whilst this fleet review event will be slimmed-down edition with just the main fleet review itself, its historical significance is to be a significant drawcard particularly with the pomp & ceremony associated with fleet reviews & royalty.

Their Majesties are visiting Sydney as part of a trip to the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting in Samoa on the 21st-25th October. They will also visit Canberra, the capital city of Australia, during this trip, which begins on Friday the 18th of October and concludes on Saturday the 26th of October. They will be formally welcomed to Australia in Canberra.

It is unknown which date the fleet review will take place yet, but it is expected to be either Saturday the 19th or 26th of October as previous major fleet reviews usually take place on a Saturday.

1.5 million people attended the International Fleet Review in 2013. However, most of the crowd was mainly there for the Spectacular in the evening as fireworks on Sydney Harbour are more popular than fleet reviews since the turn of the millennium so a smaller crowd – half or less – is expected than in 2013. Nevertheless, whilst queues of people are not expected to turn up overnight, vantage points for this historic fleet review will quickly go from early morning on the day due to the edition’s historical significance.

Fleet reviews begin in the mid-morning and depending on the number of ships could take from 40 minutes to 3.5 hours in duration. Afterwards, the King & Queen will head to western Sydney for a community barbeque to meet the region’s diverse community and to sample New South Wakes produce. At some point, Queen Camilla will also visit a Sydney library hosting a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop. The fleet review is therefore the only public event during Their Majesties’ visit in Sydney.

The short but historic itinerary for Sydney indicates it will be a 1-day visit to Sydney with at least 1 day prior in Canberra for the formal welcoming to Australia.

Today’s announcement has meant Monarchical Welcomes are no longer traditionally celebrated in Sydney for the 1st visit of the reigning monarch. The last and only time this happened was in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II took her 1st steps on Australian soil at Fleet Steps on Sydney Harbour. Nevertheless, the tradition of the extraordinary Sydney Spectacular of Royal Fleet Reviews is still continuing and gaining more significance.

Fleet reviews are rare occasions – occurring roughly once a decade – so this fleet review may be the most important during the reign of King Charles, particularly as the Monarch has never personally done it on Sydney Harbour before.

It will be the 1st visit by the reigning Monarch to Sydney in 18 years. The last time being in 2006 when Queen Elizabeth II opened the Western Colonnade of the Sydney Opera House.

What Is A ‘Fleet Review’?

A fleet review is essentially an inspection of a navy. The reviewer will be stationed on a ‘flagship’ – the main vessel used to review the fleet. This may or may not be a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship but if it is, it does not indicate that it is the most important ship in the fleet. For example, in 2013, the flagship was an RAN hydrographic surveyor rather than a destroyer or frigate so for the upcoming fleet review, King Charles & Queen Camilla will be stationed on an as yet unknown vessel. Past fleet reviews have seen the flagship moored off Farm Cove. Sailing naval vessels will then parade past the flagship and the sailors on board will salute the Monarch and Queen consort & give 3 cheers. After this has been conducted, the flagship will then travel around Sydney Harbour to inspect any anchored naval vessels and for their sailors to salute & cheer the Monarch and Queen consort. Past fleet reviews usually go along the north shore towards Taronga Zoo & Bradley’s Head before heading south to go around Shark Island before heading west past Clark Island to Garden Island, which is the beginning & end of all flagship journeys during modern fleet reviews as it is Sydney Harbour’s main naval base.

The Royal Australian Navy has 40 ships, 29 commissioned & 11 non-commissioned. They also have about 50 aircraft, mostly helicopters, which could mean an aerial salute is also possible. 21-gun salutes are also likely to salute the Monarch and Queen consort & for signalling purposes.

The King and Queen will conduct a Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy, in Sydney Harbour.

At a library in Sydney, Her Majesty will meet children participating in a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop.

Their Majesties will attend a community BBQ in Western Sydney, sampling a range of produce from across New South Wales, experiencing the cultural diversity of Australian communities and meeting local residents.
Buckingham Palace

Vale Ignatius Jones

Ignatius Jones AM, the creative director of Sydney New Year’s Eve (NYE) between 1996 and 2001 & Vivid Sydney between 2011 and 2019, has died suddenly aged 67, following a short illness.

He was also the creative director of the G’Day Opening Ceremony segment & the Closing Night Harbour Spectacular of The Games Of The XXVIIth Olympiad: Sydney 2000.

The iconic artistic direction he did for the Olympics & the Millennium propelled Sydney’s events into global popular culture.

In 2001, he was also artistic director of the Centenary Of Federation celebrations, which had a parade throughout Sydney as its’ centrepiece.

Between 2011 & 2015, he also artistic director of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

In 2017, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Australian Event Awards, which was followed a year later with him becoming a full member of the Order Of Australia, General Division, for his “significant service to entertainment”, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Whilst he made most of his event achievements in Sydney, he also worked internationally:

Ceremonies of XXIst Olympic Winter Games: Vancouver 2010
Opening Ceremony of Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Ceremonies of XV Asiad: Doha 2006
Independence Of East Timor ceremony
Dolly Parton’s productions in the United States Of America

Before his iconic career in events, he was a musician, being a singer with the shock rock band Jimmy & The Boys, which introduced shock theatrics to Australia, before forming a swing band, Pardon Me Boys, with his sister, Monica Trapaga. His sister also performed the John Paul Young classic, Love Is In The Air, at the Millennium celebrations as well as doing sets at the Sydney NYE segments: 4 Kids (1997-2001), Carnaval (1999-2001) & Hot Jazz In The City (2001).

Ignatius Jones retired in 2022 & passed away in his birth country, the Philippines, in Iloilo City on May 7 at 9:30pm Sydney time.

He will be remembered for an Eternity.

Below the below quote, you can find highlights from his 3 most iconic Sydney events: the Midnight Fireworks of Sydney NYE1999: Sydney’s Millennium, the G’Day Opening Ceremony segment & the Closing Night Harbour Spectacular of The Games Of The XXVIIth Olympiad: Sydney 2000 & Vivid Sydney 2019.

We are absolutely devastated to announce the passing of my brother, Juan Ignacio Trapaga, the formidable Ignatius Jones.

We love you.
Monica Trapaga, sister of Ignatius Jones

Collateral Damage: Rugby World Cups 2027-29 No Longer Considered An ‘Extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular

As of 22nd August 2023, Sydney Spectaculars is no longer considering the Rugby World Cups 2027-29 as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular.

The reasoning behind this judgement is as follows:

A 3-minute fireworks display, using 2 barges & the upper arch and catwalk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as a Bridge Effect featured after the Rugby World Cup 2003 – Australia Final.
A drone show is the modern equivalent of the Bridge Effect.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 had an event attendance of 79,000 per event day.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 was removed as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular on 5th April 2023. The reasons, at the time, are detailed here.
19 days into FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023, 13 Sydney landmarks, including the western sails of the Sydney Opera House, were lit up in gold. In all but one case, green was also added. These illuminations were done on the night of a Round Of 16, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, 3rd Place Playoff or Final match involving the Matildas. However, this was insufficient for the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023 to be readded as an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular. The reasons are detailed here.
No Sydney Harbour (Bridge) fireworks display or drone show featured during the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023.
In 2019, World Rugby decided that the words ‘Rugby World Cup’ would now refer to both the men’s and women’s editions.
The Rugby World Cup – Australia 2003 (men’s edition) had an event attendance of 66,000 per event day.
The Rugby World Cup – Japan 2019 (men’s edition) had an event attendance of 65,000 per event day.
The Rugby World Cup – New Zealand 2021 (women’s edition held in 2022) had an event attendance of 15,000 per event day.
Sydney is the likely host city of the Opening Match & Final of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29.
As the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2003, Japan 2019 & New Zealand 2021 all had attendances lower than the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023, this means no more than 13 Sydney landmarks, particularly the western sails of the Sydney Opera House, should be lit up in gold during the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29. In all but one case, green is added as well. This would happen only IF the Wallabies or the Wallaroos make it to the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Final, 3rd Place Playoff or Final of those respective future tournaments. Also, no Sydney Harbour (Bridge) fireworks display or drone show should now be expected during those tournaments.

As these illuminations were insufficient to be considered an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular for the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023, Sydney Spectaculars is of the opinion that the same should apply to the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29, which is, as stated above, now very likely to be an event of less attendance & importance as the just-concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Therefore, as of 22nd August 2023, Sydney Spectaculars has decided to downgrade the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 from an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular to just another Sydney Spectacular but not a ‘flagship’ Sydney Spectacular as it is not an annual event.

This is another major blow for Sydney’s event industry, culture & night-time economy. As, like with the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023, there is a very likely lack of a major Sydney Harbour (Bridge) fireworks display & drone show (which would replace the Bridge Effect), it will be another notable absence in the history of major events in Sydney, reducing the significance or chance of hosting future mega events like the men’s FIFA World Cup.

If Sydney Spectaculars finds out that the either of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will be treated like the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2003 (except with a drone show instead of a Bridge Effect), we will immediately resume coverage of the event but at this stage, it looks very unlikely. There is still every chance for a projection on the Sydney Opera House but. as stated above, this is insufficient. A stand-alone drone show is possible but such a drone show could have been held anywhere in the world – it just would be themed to Australia.

To bring Sydney’s mega event status back to where it belongs, Sydney Spectaculars will also lobby to World Rugby, the New South Wales (NSW) Government & Rugby Australia until those future tournaments are held to put on a Sydney Opera House/Harbour (Bridge) fireworks display & drone show during the Capping and Opening Ceremonies & after the Final as well as tournament-long projection/light shows on the Sydney Opera House/Harbour Bridge during those future tournaments after the failure to do so by the NSW Government, Football Australia & FIFA during the recently-concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup – Australia & New Zealand 2023.

We will review this decision after the Rugby World Cup – France 2023 (men’s edition), which begins today, as well as the Rugby World Cup – England 2025 (women’s edition).

We wish the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 every success.

Own Goal: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 No Longer Considered An ‘Extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular

As of 5th April 2023, Sydney Spectaculars is no longer considering the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia & New Zealand an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular.

As the biggest event to be hosted by Australia since the International Fleet Review in 2013, it had been expected that after the conclusion of the Final, a no more than 3-minutes long fireworks display over Sydney Harbour would occur including no more than 2 barges & the Sydney Harbour Bridge upper arch and catwalk. A Bridge Effect would have also been expected but as times have changed, this would have been in the form of a drone show.

The reasoning behind this expectation is as follows:

A 3-minute fireworks display, using 2 barges & the upper arch and catwalk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as a Bridge Effect featured after the Rugby World Cup 2003 – Australia Final.
The modern equivalent of a Bridge Effect is a drone show.
In 2019, World Rugby decided that the words ‘Rugby World Cup’ would now refer to both the men’s and women’s editions.
The FIFA World Cup, an international men’s association football tournament, is an event ranked in importance, below The Games Of The Olympiad & above the Rugby World Cup.
The Games Of The Olympiad – Sydney 2000’s Closing Night Harbour Spectacular was the world’s largest fireworks display at the time.
As both the Rugby World Cup 2003 – Australia & The Games Of The Olympiad – Sydney 2000 had significant fireworks displays on Sydney Harbour at the conclusion of the event if hosted in Sydney. therefore, the FIFA World Cup would also have a significant fireworks display at a size in-between the size of the preceding 2 events’ fireworks displays.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the women’s equivalent of the FIFA World Cup.
Sydney is hosting the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia & New Zealand on Sunday, the 20 August 2023.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is ranked lower in importance than the Rugby World Cup (Men’s). Therefore, a drone show & a no more than 3-minute long fireworks display using the Sydney Harbour Bridge & no more than 2 barges should occur.

Sydney Spectaculars is of the understanding that there are no plans for a significant combined fireworks display & drone show nor a sole significant fireworks display, both of which would feature the Sydney Harbour Bridge upper arch and catwalk & no more than 2 barges.

Therefore, as of 5th April 2023, Sydney Spectaculars has decided to downgrade the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia & New Zealand from an ‘extraordinary’ Sydney Spectacular to just another Sydney Spectacular but not a ‘flagship’ Sydney Spectacular as it is not an annual event.

This is a major blow for Sydney’s event industry, culture & night-time economy. The lack of a similar fireworks display and drone show will be a notable absence in the history of major events in Sydney, reduce the significance of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and potentially affecting Australia’s chances of one day hosting the men’s FIFA World Cup. It also leads to questions of possible discrimination on the basis of sex by FIFA, the tournament’s organisers, and the NSW Government, the government body most responsible for hosting such an event, particularly with the growth of women’s professional commercial sport in the past decade. The FIFA Women’s World Cup was first held in 1991 while the men’s FIFA World Cup was first held in 1930.

If Sydney Spectaculars finds out that by luck a significant fireworks display will occur after the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia & New Zealand, we will immediately resume coverage of the event but at this stage, it looks unlikely. There is still every chance for a projection on the Sydney Opera House but this will not be significant as the building is lit up for many other events. A drone show is possible but such a drone show could have been held anywhere in the world – it just would be themed to Australia & New Zealand.

We wish the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Australia & New Zealand every success.

Sydney Opera House Lights Up For Wallabies

The Sydney Opera House was lit up in green & gold tonight ahead of the Rugby World Cup Final between Australia & New Zealand in London.

New South Wales (NSW) Government’s Minister For Trade, Tourism, Major Events & Sport, Stuart Ayres, said the whole of NSW was behind the Wallabies as they attempt to claim the World Cup for the 1st time since 1999.

“Sydney & NSW are turning up our support for the Wallabies as we light up the iconic Sydney Opera House to cheer the team on. I’ll be setting the alarm for Sunday morning & wish the team the very best of luck,” Mr Ayres said.

“NSW is the home of Australian rugby & it’s fitting that one of our most iconic buildings is dressed up to celebrate the Wallabies.”

“NSW is Australia’s sporting capital, playing host to events including the Cricket World Cup, Asian Cup football, Netball World Cup, Bledisloe Cup & in 2013, the tour by the British and Irish Lions.”

“From 6-7 February next year, Sydney will also host the Sydney Sevens at Allianz Stadium, with fast-paced sevens rugby on display in the summer sunshine” he said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase, said that NSW will continue to support major rugby events in 2016.

“In addition to the Sydney Sevens, Sydney will also be hosting the Bledisloe Cup for another year at ANZ Stadium. It will be a fantastic occasion, a World Cup Final replay & like all Aussies, I can’t wait to see the Wallabies emerge victorious as we all support them this weekend at Twickenham” Ms Chipchase said.

The Rugby World Cup Final between Australia & New Zealand will kick-off at 3am on the morning of Sunday 1 November. The Sydney Opera House will be lit from 8pm-12am on Friday & Saturday night.

Tickets to the Sydney Sevens are still available & more information can be found at www.sydneysevens.com.au.

Media Release: Destination NSW

Sydney Opera House Going Green & Gold For Rugby World Cup Final

Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House will turn green & gold in support of the Wallabies as they prepare to face the ultimate test against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup Final in England early on Sunday morning.

Deputy Premier Of New South Wales (NSW), Troy Grant, and Minister For Trade, Tourism, Major Events & Sport, Stuart Ayres, made the announcement on the Sydney Opera House steps today flanked by injured Wallabies World Cup lock Will Skelton, FOX SPORTS presenter Matt Shirvington & a group of keen young Wallabies fans.

The Sydney Opera House will turn Green and Gold in support of the Wallabies. Photo: Andrew Frazer

From 8pm AEDT tomorrow (Friday 30 October), the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated in the green & gold colours of the Wallabies in a spectacular showing of support for the team ahead of its date with destiny.

The famous sails will be wrapped in green & gold again on Saturday night until midnight, prior to kick off in the match at 3am AEDT on Sunday morning (1 November).

Minister For Trade, Tourism, Major Events & Sport, Stuart Ayres, said: “Sydney is the home of rugby in Australia & what better way to show our support than lighting up our iconic Sydney Opera House.”

“I encourage everyone across NSW & Australia to set your alarms, put out your best green and gold & cheer home our mighty Wallabies!”

Deputy Premier & Minister For Arts, Troy Grant, said it is only fitting Australia’s most iconic building sports the green & gold ahead of an iconic event.

“Our Wallabies will know when they see the Opera House’s sails light up that everyone back home will be cheering hard & loud” Mr Grant said.

“From Broken Hill to the Riverina & up north to the Tweed, every fan across NSW & Australia is right behind our boys – let’s show the Kiwis what we’re made of.”

Will Skelton, the giant 140kg lock who was ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup after injuring his shoulder during the Wallabies 65-3 victory over Uruguay early in the tournament, said the players had felt the support from Aussie fans from the other side of the globe.

“The boys are really aware of the support back here at home & have enjoyed a lot of support over in England as well. Having such incredible support from the whole country has really lifted the team & I know the boys really want to make Australia proud when they run out on Sunday” said Skelton.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 Final between the Wallabies & New Zealand will be screened live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, 9 & GEM.

Media Release: Australian Rugby