Vivid’s opening weekend is its biggest ever!
![Vivid’s opening weekend is its biggest ever!](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Vivid Sydney has enjoyed its largest ever opening weekend, attracting more than 453,000 visitors to experience Australia’s largest event in 2023.
Festival goers from Sydney, as well as regional NSW, interstate and international markets, turned out for the festival’s first weekend to experience some of the 300+ events and activations that make up the 2023 program. The opening weekend attendance represents a 4 per cent increase from Vivid Sydney’s previous highest opening weekend in 2022.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said the 2023 program was all about bringing people together while also providing economic benefit Sydney and NSW businesses.
“It was great to see tens of thousands of families out enjoying the Vivid Light Walk and it was encouraging to see the city’s CBD so vibrant and businesses benefiting from the record turnout…
“This festival is about community, bringing Sydneysiders and visitors from around the state, the country and the world together to celebrate our creative industries, and experience something new from world-class activations and events to diverse food culture and hospitality.
“Vivid Sydney 2023 is off to a flying start but there is still plenty of time to get out and take part in this unique Sydney celebration. I encourage those who are thinking about visiting the festival to plan their visit to the city and enjoy the festival in person.
“There are plenty of extra transport services running during Vivid Sydney. When planning your trip please remember that the best way to get to and from the festival is to catch public transport, you can plan your trip at transportnsw.info.”
The longest ever Vivid Sydney Light Walk, festival first experiences including Lightscape and Dark Spectrum, as well as Vivid Food, were all among the most visited festival offerings on the opening weekend. Restaurants, cafes and bars benefited from over 120,000 diners (up 5 per cent on opening weekend in 2022). Overall, 85 per cent of attendees purchased food beverages during the festival’s opening weekend.
Vivid Sydney 2023 started with First Light, a moving Welcome to Country followed by a celebration of First Nations peoples and culture featuring Yothu Yindi performing the iconic song Treaty.
Then, at 6pm on Friday 26 May, the bright and dazzling lights of Vivid Sydney 2023 were turned on as fireworks, searchlights and drones lit up the sky around Circular Quay and the sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated with the vibrant works of the late John Olsen AO OBE animated by creative technologists Curiious for Life Enlivened (2023).
On Sunday, more than 1,000 drones took to the night sky in the first of six scheduled drone shows titled “Written in the Stars”. Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors were amazed by the incredible images and animations from the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere which provides an awe-inspiring journey through the natural world above us.
“Written in the Stars” will be staged throughout the festival on Sunday and Wednesday nights, and on Monday 12 June, from 9:10pm (subject to weather conditions), and is set to an accompanying audio track available on Cineway.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini, said the expanded program and new, innovative events were key to engaging audiences in 2023.
“Vivid Sydney is the ultimate celebration of creative industries and our spectacular city. The program this year raises the bar and reimagines the types of activations that we offer – there are festival firsts, world premieres and never before activated spaces, as well as the brand-new pillar, Vivid Food.
“The programming is so diverse – there really is something for everyone. We are thrilled that so many have been part of our first festival weekend – the feedback and response has been incredible. There is still so much more to come!”
Vivid Sydney is the largest festival in Australia and runs nightly from 6pm until Saturday 17 June. In 2022 the festival welcomed 2.58 million visitors and injected $119 million into the NSW economy.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
vivid sydneyLatest News
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data
Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Corporate Travel Management rebrands events division
If you've been deciding whether to rebrand your LinkedIn profile or not, this is your sign.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints Australian PR Gate 7
We've been to Philly. We like it. Apart from a massive cracked bell, there's a lot of other old stuff to see.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
The new, ultra-modern Qsuite Next Gen revealed by Qatar Airways at Farnborough
Sweet. It's the suite we have all been waiting for. And with the added bonus of an AI human? Judgement reserved.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Malaysia Airlines elevates travel with exclusive Business Class offers and privileges
The actors/models always look so unrealistically happy in the stock images. Where are the method actors at?
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation
Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering
Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration
Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Kris Abbey’s wellness summit returns to Byron Bay for second year
This summit sounds fabulous, although we think there should be a non-wellness summit too, just to even things up.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
W Melbourne appoints luxe hotel sector expert Andrea Brown as director of marketing
Expect more TikTok dance moves from W Hotel staff after this appointment.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qantas ambassador Neil Perry and sommeliers sip and swirl 1500 wines for annual blind tasting
Swirl, sip and spit. It's a long arduous process with 1500 wines lined up. But someone's got to do it. Hic!
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uber adds to suite of options, adding Uber Rent, upscaling Uber Intercity and push into airports
We still miss the fresh mints and the free bottles of water that used to come with Uber rides. Those were the days.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Indian tourism to Australia is booming, so how can we boost outbound tourism?
With its world-famous food, bustling streets and vibrant colours, India won't be in short supply of visitors.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour appoints new director of sales
We look forward to Rachela Virgara learning everyone's name off by heart. No name badges please.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SKYE Suites Parramatta gets early visit from Santa
When the hotel general manager gets dressed as Santa, it's either he has a complex or it's a budget saving.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
World-leading EduTECH Congress and Expo returns to Sydney
There will be many big brains in this room. We are not one of them.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Melbourne and Geelong convention centres pave the way for accessibility and inclusion
Convention centres plan of action for accessibility, including one that isn't even built yet! That's planning.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
The ultimate poolside indulgence? A ‘push for champagne’ button at Raes on Wategos
The one question we want to ask is 'why didn't Anthony Catalano think of this earlier?'.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Newly refurbished Pan Pacific Perth offers new era of refinement
Remember the conference here in 2012? Or was it 2013? That was one to remember. Although I forget what happened.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qantas launches Club Flexible membership to access 30 lounges for 28 days
If you have ever dreamed of entering a Qantas lounge then now is your chance to do so on the cheap.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Applejack Hospitality set to open RAFI URBNSURF diner at Olympic Park
Remember to wait half an hour before you head back into the surf. Well that's what my mum says anyway.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cruise360 Australasia at ICC Sydney sold out
Cruise industry folk like to gather in packs, whether onboard or not. We will linger on the periphery.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
YHA Australia spotlights First Nations culture with tours and cultural experiences
YHA leads the charge for NAIDOC week celebrations. Check out this jam-packed agenda.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Melbourne Airport to support above-ground station for proposed airport rail line
Av-geeks and trainspotters are preparing for a major gathering when the new airport line opens in Melbourne.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
What recruitment shortage? More than 800 applicants apply for role at Adelaide Marriott
If you live in Adelaide, work in hospitality and noticed your colleague was missing on Thursday then now you know why.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Hyatt Regency Perth to cease operation as a hotel but future is unknown
Shutting down at a peak time in Perth hotel occupancy rates? Go figure. But we don't own the keys.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
REVIEW: Hotel Ottilia Copenhagen: A seamless blend of industrial charm and contemporary Nordic design
Staying in a converted brewery you'd think we'd be sampling the local beers. At Ottilia, it's more the wines!
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
G Adventures offers Aussie agents final chance for Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets in London
It's like in Willy Wonka when it turned out the final ticket was fake. You haven't missed your chance to see Tay Tay!
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australia named top luxury destination in APAC with Indian travellers leading the charge
Fashion, food and a sense of place is what Japanese and Indians seek out of a trip to AU. Not mullets and XXXX.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden claims the title of Australia’s top attraction
Perth visitors pick Kings Park as Australia's top attraction? Surely quokkas must count in there somewhere.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Saudi Arabia hosts film night at the Sydney Opera House
It is very unfortunate Saudi Arabia had their cinemas shut for 30 years, however they did at least miss Vanilla Sky.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Oslo – is it even a city? Norway’s hilarious new tourism campaign tells travellers not to come
This is one of the best in recent years and there's been some crackers. We want a trip to Norway now!
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Harbourside Hotel launches new tropically themed event packages
We were in Cairns for TravelDAZE recently, and we will definitely be back, for the accomm if not the weather.
![](https://thenibbler.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Foreigners to pay the price of being a tourist in Japan
It comes as no surprise to hear that cities bump up prices for tourists, but Japan is being very open about it.