Dark Spectrum: A New JourneyCredit: Sony Music Entertainment
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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An electronic labyrinth of light, colour and sound pulses to life when Dark Spectrum: A New Journey reawakens deep beneath the streets of Sydney from 24 May to 15 June as part of Vivid Sydney 2024, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival.
Tickets are now on sale for the subterranean experience which first captivated visitors during Vivid Sydney in 2023. An all-new immersive experience for 2024, Dark Spectrum: A New Journey invites visitors to revel in state-of-the-art lighting, laser and video effects unlike anything you’ve seen before.
The one-kilometre trail in the abandoned railway tunnels underneath Sydney’s Wynyard Station features eight themed chambers, each with a monochromatic colour scheme and backing track of electronic dance music.
A spectacle of illumination, the journey takes visitors through 300 rhythmic lasers and strobe lights, 500 hanging handmade lanterns, 250 search lights, 700 illuminated arrows within an intricate maze, and much more.
A background soundscape of dark, atmospheric dance tracks and seminal club hits will supplement the multimedia experience, drawing on crowd-favourites from the past 30 years to leave visitors dancing.
Presented by Vivid Sydney and Sony Music Entertainment and developed in partnership with Mandylights and Culture Creative, Dark Spectrum: A New Journey invites visitors to discover Sydney’s subterranean side.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2024 is exploring what makes us uniquely human, with a diverse program designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. We are so excited to welcome back Dark Spectrum: A New Journey to Vivid Sydney 2024 to bring the festival theme to life with a brand-new wholly immersive experience."
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Saturate - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Saturate - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Revel - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Revel - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
Chair & CEO of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand Vanessa Picken said:
“Dark Spectrum intrigued visitors last year with its unique underground location transformed into an immersive playground of light and sound. This year, we’re taking it to another level, returning with new themes with an epic soundscape to ignite emotions that make you feel alive!
“Dark Spectrum: A New Journey is a great opportunity to bring together a talented, creative team to deliver an intense, vibrant “underworld” for all to experience. It's the closest you can come to immersing yourself in the soul of the city."
Mandylights Managing Director Richard Neville said:
“We are so pumped to bring an all-new Dark Spectrum: A New Journey to Vivid Sydney in 2024. We’ve taken the latest in laser and lighting technology, the intensity of a music festival and the originality of an art exhibition and packed it all into Sydney’s historic Wynyard Tunnels in an unforgettable spectacle.”
Culture Creative Director Ian Bone said:
“Every illuminated experience that Culture Creative designs and builds is unique and we are excited to once again work alongside Mandylights to create a labyrinth of light in such an unusual and thrilling location.”
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey is open for audiences aged six and over. Children between the ages of six and 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey includes strobe lighting, flashing, flickering and patterned lighting effects, smoke and haze effects and high-volume soundtracks. It follows a one-way trail through underground tunnels with limited exits while inside.
...
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.
For more information on Dark Spectrum: A New Journey visit darkspectrum.com.au.
For more information on Vivid Sydney 2024 visit vividsydney.com.
DOWNLOAD HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES HERE AND 2024 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO HERE.
Vivid Sydney and Sony Music Entertainment present
DARK SPECTRUM: A NEW JOURNEY, AS PART OF VIVID SYDNEY 2024
Enter via Wynyard Park, between York Street and Carrington Street
(exit is via Cumberland Street in The Rocks)
Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June 2024
Session times: Dark Spectrum: A New Journey is open every day from 12pm until 9.15pm (except for Friday 24 May 2024 when the event will open at 6pm). Tickets are timed in 15-minute increments. Times are approximate and subject to change at any time.
Duration: Dark Spectrum: A New Journey is a self-paced experience. It is recommended visitors allow about 60 minutes to enjoy the full experience.
Tickets: From $35 adult, $24 child (6-12 years), $98 family (2 adults & 2 children)
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Saturate - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Saturate - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Misdirection - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Misdirection - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
Media Contacts:
- Claudia Ferne
- claudia@aruga.com.au
- 0452 474 413
- Rylee Bowser
- rylee@aruga.com.au
- 0438 675 970
For Vivid Sydney 2024 enquiries, please contact:
- James Toovey
- james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
- 0407 828 310
Social and Digital
Web: darkspectrum.com.au
FB: @DarkSpectrumAU
IG: @darkspectrumau
Web: vividsydney.com
FB: @vividsydney
IG: @vividsydney
TikTok: @vividsydney
X: @vividsydney
Hashtags
#darkspectrum, #darkspectrumSydney, #vividSydney, #sonymusicAustralia
#RGLive, #mandylights, #whatsonsydney, #feelnewsydney, #seeaustralia, #australia, #exploreaustralia, #sydneylife, #lightfestival
About Sony Music
Leading events promoter, RGL (Raymond Gubbay Limited), a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has been delivering illuminated and immersive events for over 13 years. Each event is designed specifically to showcase the unique environment of the individual location, so no two experiences are ever the same.
About Culture Creative
Culture Creative is a creative project and production management company based in the UK. The Company works across a wide range of cultural fields including art, sport, heritage, tourism, festivals and events, developing projects from concept to delivery. Since 2013, Culture Creative has worked closely with leading entertainment promoter Raymond Gubbay Ltd., a division of Sony Music, to create light trails and immersive experiences at venues worldwide including Kew Gardens, London and Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, ‘Humanity,’ sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.
About Mandylights
With a history spanning 15 years, Mandylights is a full-service creative house that designs outstanding visual experiences for the entertainment industry. Its work lights entire cityscapes and bridges, immerses people in stunning visual environments, takes to the world's largest stadiums and arenas and creates one-of-a-kind experiential activations.
Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Together - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dark Spectrum: A New Journey Credit: Sony Music Entertainment
Together - Dark Spectrum: A New Journey
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Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
#feelnewsydney
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
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Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.