Vivid Sydney, Australia’s most anticipated event, returns on 23rd May and runs until 14th June, warming up the winter months.

This spellbinding event will again transform the Harbour City, this time with the theme Dream as it dares to answer the question: What’s in a dream?

This year’s festival footprint was redesigned to present five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place and CBD for the first time since 2018, Darling Harbour, and The Goods Line and Inner City.

Each connected zone will feature events from each of the festival pillars; Light, Music, Ideas, and Food.

Now in its 15th year, Vivid Sydney showcases the creative pulse in the heart of winter, featuring exclusive collaborations for a series of events.

This year’s collaborators include the Sydney Writers’ Festival and Sydney Film Festival, along with cultural institutions and arts companies such as Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Bangarra Dance Theatre, City Recital Hall, State Library of NSW, and Sydney Theatre Company.

According to John Graham, “Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city. From surprising outdoor dining experiences to artistic light projections on our most famous landmarks, Vivid Sydney has something for everyone whether you’re a visitor or a local.”

Graham added that this year’s festival will help alleviate the cost-of-living crisis with a greater number of free events, allowing festival-goers to enjoy a fantastic night out without overspending.

A celebration of dreams

For her part, festival director Gill Minervini remarked that the festival’s Dream theme resonates with us all and can be interpreted in many ways. “Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life-changing, and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious, or terrifying. These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.”

With awe-inspiring performances from the world’s leading musicians and cutting-edge culinary collaborations, this festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and connection in what is considered the best city in the world.