Lightscape – Vivid

In previous years it was free to walk through the Vivid display in the Royal Botanic Gardens – it was also complete pandemonium! Arguments will continue to be had about whether any event should be paid and what the price should be but it can’t be argued that having a controlled crowd makes for a much more leisurely and enjoyable walk through the gardens. 

Lightscape itself is not a new concept, just new to Sydney. This horticultural lightfest has been touring the world to much acclaim for over ten years and is making its debut at this year’s Vivid festival. 

Following a designated route through the gardens, you are presented with illuminated sculptures, flashing lights, and even fire-breathing dragons. The latter are in a display consisting of hundreds of candles scattered around a lawn. Two metal dragon sculptures stand on either side and alternately release fiery flames from their jaws at intervals. 

In another section, dozens of optic fibre lamps jut up from the grass like little lit-up shrubs. 

There is a large tree with its sinewy branches illuminated like a biological diagram of veins and arteries. A field of small dark blue and light blue bulbs lit in a swishing, flowing pattern to imitate water. Rising up from this sea is the head and tail of a very large sculpted whale. 

An arched cathedral-like walkway lit with hundreds of tiny white lights is one of the highlights, but there are lots of wonderful things to see along the route of Lightscape. 

Until June 18 as part of Vivid, then continuing with limited sessions until July 16. 

https://www.vividsydney.com/event/light/lightscape