Visitors took in the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas before the lights went out on Vivid Sydney 2015. NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said for 18 days, Vivid Sydney has captivated the imagination of visitors of all ages from across Australia and the world.
“This year Vivid Sydney has shone brighter than ever with spectacular light installations and projections enthralling audiences across the festival from Circular Quay to Martin Place, Darling Harbour to Pyrmont & The Star, the University of Sydney and new precincts Chatswood and Central Park,” Mr Ayres said.
“Almost 280,000 people visited Vivid Sydney in the opening weekend alone and the visitors have kept coming. I'd like to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of dedicated Vivid Sydney volunteers who have been the face of the festival, helping visitors to make the most of their experience. We truly appreciate you taking the time to help enhance people's visit to this great city and incredible event.
“Vivid Sydney showcases our creative industries to the world while also providing a platform for international artists and performers to demonstrate their creative talents here in Sydney. This year more than 80 light installations were created by 225 artists from 21 different countries, with their art lighting up Sydney's winter nights and delighting local and international visitors,” he said.
“The Vivid Ideas program has once again sparked discussion and debate around creativity, with over 500 speakers participating in more than 150 Vivid Ideas events held throughout the festival. On the music front, more than 70 bands performed as part of the Vivid Music program with 382 musicians, 232 DJs and 1,502 hours of programmed music entertaining festivalgoers.
“Sydney really is the events capital of Australia and it's been a huge 18 days for our city. We've had fantastic sporting events including Tottenham Hotspurs and Chelsea playing Sydney FC to massive crowds with both teams taking time out to experience our wonderful harbour city,” Mr Ayres said.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Vivid Sydney has been another brilliant celebration of our city, transforming our beloved icons and the city itself into a colourful canvas of light, music and ideas. I encourage everyone to get their family and friends together and to visit our world-renowned festival before the lights go off at midnight this evening.”
“Finally, I want to say a big thank you to all our festivalgoers including international and interstate visitors who have made this year's Vivid Sydney a very successful event. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2016,” Ms Chipchase said.
