Australia’s Most Spectacular Festival Returns with Light, Music, Ideas, and Culinary Delights
Sydney is set to shine once again as Vivid Sydney 2025 takes over the city from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June 2025. Marking its 15th anniversary, this globally renowned festival will explore the theme “Dream”, inviting audiences to reflect on the power of imagination and creativity.
For 23 consecutive nights, the festival will transform Sydney into a dynamic hub of light installations, live music, thought-provoking talks, and culinary experiences. Attracting visitors from across the globe, Vivid Sydney continues to establish itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier cultural events.
Immersive Light Installations and Digital Art
A major highlight of the festival, the Vivid Light Walk, will feature stunning artistic projections, interactive displays, and large-scale light sculptures. This year’s installations include:
- “Kiss of Light,” a stunning homage to the visionary Australian artist David McDiarmid, will illuminate the Sydney Opera House in a dazzling display.
- “King Dingo”, a powerful visual display by Vincent Namatjira, showcased on the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- “House of Romance”, an electrifying projection by acclaimed fashion label Romance Was Born, transforming Customs House into a vibrant art piece.
With over 75% of the festival’s program accessible for free, visitors can explore these captivating displays throughout the city.
Vivid Food: A Feast for the Senses
The Vivid Food program continues to redefine Sydney’s culinary scene, bringing together some of the most innovative chefs and dining experiences. Leading this year’s lineup is renowned British chef and author Nigella Lawson, who will curate an exclusive dining series set in the stunning Muru Giligu tunnel.
“Having admired Vivid Sydney for years, it is truly an honour to be involved in this incredible celebration of food and creativity,” said Lawson.
Food lovers can also enjoy the return of the Vivid Fire Kitchen and Chef Series, offering interactive cooking demonstrations, tastings, and immersive dining experiences, celebrating NSW’s rich culinary heritage.
Vivid Ideas: Thought Leaders and Visionaries
The Vivid Ideas program will feature renowned global thinkers, creatives, and industry experts, sparking conversations on innovation, culture, and the human experience. Highlights include:
- D.W. Pine, TIME Magazine’s Creative Director, discussing the evolution of visual storytelling.
- Professor Matthew Walker, an expert in sleep science, exploring the mysteries of dreams and their impact on human health.
In a special attraction for pop culture fans, the festival will debut Netflix’s “Stranger Things: The Experience”, an interactive, immersive adventure set in the world of the hit series, taking place at Luna Park Sydney.
Unmissable Music Performances
Music remains a cornerstone of Vivid Sydney, with an extraordinary lineup of local and international talent performing at iconic venues across the city. Some of the must-see acts include:
- Anohni and The Johnsons, delivering a mesmerising performance at the Sydney Opera House.
- Beth Gibbons of Portishead, captivating audiences with her hauntingly beautiful voice.
- Sigur Rós, the Icelandic post-rock pioneers, accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
- Japanese Breakfast, bringing their signature indie-pop sound to Sydney.
Additionally, Tumbalong Nights will host a series of free concerts, showcasing both international and Australian artists in a vibrant open-air setting.
An Invitation to Dream
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, The Hon. John Graham, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s return, stating: “Vivid Sydney continues to bring bold ideas, creativity, and joy to our city, reinforcing Sydney’s status as a global cultural destination.”
Festival Director Gill Minervini highlighted the universal nature of this year’s theme, saying: “Dreams are timeless, boundless, and deeply personal. They can be inspirational, transformative, or even surreal, and this year’s festival captures that diversity through art, music, ideas, and food.”
With its breathtaking displays, world-class performances, and immersive experiences, Vivid Sydney 2025 promises to be a festival like no other, inviting visitors to step into a world where creativity and dreams collide.
