This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Vivid Sydney Drops 2017 Lineup Featuring All Of The Lights, AIR and Chet Faker

Not just a light show, folks.

Each year, when May rolls around, Sydney becomes awash with colour. And the people pile in (2.31 million in 2016, in fact).

Beyond the light displays that hit you as you wander along the city's harbourfront, you may be fooled into thinking that's all there is to Vivid Sydney.

Well, the 2017 lineup has been dropped and between light shows, exclusive gigs and big thinkers, Vivid Sydney's Creative Director Ignatius Jones said it will "blow the socks off" those who attend (or walk by) it.

We don't have a theme, we have a mission: to showcase and celebrate the creative industry, where arts and technology meet a changing world.Ignatius Jones

"We are the world's first festival dedicated entirely to creativity and innovation and have rapidly become the largest," Jones said at a media launch on Tuesday.

"We don't have a theme, we have a mission: to showcase and celebrate the creative industry, where arts and technology meet a changing world."

That translates to three stellar programs -- Vivid Light, Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas -- that take over the city over 23 nights.

Let there be light.

Among 70 new light projections, the big news in 2017 is a whole bunch winding through Barangaroo. Still unsure of what the precinct is all about? 'Trapdoor' is an installation featuring optical illusions (cool) and stories of Barangaroo's past.

The Opera House sails will be lit up by cinematographer Ash Bolland, presenting 'Audio Creatures' -- a project, reminiscent of a 1980's science fiction film, that urges us to view nature differently.

The incredibly illusive 'Magicians of the Mist' display will fill Darling Harbour with lights, lasers and fireworks, while an EORA tribute to Bennelong from Bangarra Dance will light up Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Even Chatswood, a tiny precinct in the city's north, is getting a 19th century 'Steam Punk' makeover. We'd be lying if we said we weren't intrigued.

Add in some music.

If you're not a huge fan of all of the lights, Vivid Music in 2017 is set to be the biggest to date, hosting 250 local and international artists.

After a five year absence, Fleet Foxes will be returning to the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE, and they'll be joined by none other than UK electric pop due Goldfrapp AND French electro heroes AIR.

d

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.