Lights, Camera, Vivid

Sydney will transform with light once again this winter.

Vivid Sydney Festival returns on May 25 to offer the perfect alternative to Daylight Savings.

Over 60 light instillations and projections will decorate Walsh Bay, The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House.

Florence and the Machine will open the festival, performing at the Sydney Opera House with the ceremonial Orchestra.

The festival also hosts the world’s largest Flash Light, a torch the size of a VW Golf.

The Sydney Opera House will also host exclusive concerts and collaborations in over 22 events.

Festival Director, Ignatius Jones, said: “It brings an amazing amount of light and life to the inner city on a winter’s night, we’re lucky that here in Sydney our weather is mild enough and lets us go out at night.”

“We’ve expanded enormously, from 50 events last year, we now have 100,” Mr Jones said.

“The Festival brings students, Goths, mums with prams, kids who are dressed up.”

“It never ceases to amaze me how it brings people together, they want to get out of the house and do something for free!”

“There are 5000 Chinese tourists who have come in especially.”

Festival CEO Sandra Chipchase, said: “Just to hear the collective oohs and aahs of the audience and then to see over the next 2 nights how word of mouth spreads and people fall in love with the event.”

“It is now in its 5th year and will be our biggest enterprise to date. It is a true collaboration of government agencies, creative industries and private sector sponsors all under the umbrella of government investment and outstanding support,” Ms Chipchase said.

“It truly reflects the beauty of Sydney in any season, even in our mild winter and reinforces Sydney’s position as the creative service hub of Australia.”

She said the events also reflect the city’s tourism brand campaign which says people will “Love Every Second In Sydney”.

“There is literally so much on during Vivid in the way of business events, seminars, workshops and musical performances and treats.”

Mr Jones said Vivid has been a consistent success.

“In 2009, they wanted to bring some light to the city and create another signature event, they were right on the money.”

The free light show will take place every night from 6pm to 12pm.