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The Cahill Expressway will transform into a world-class stage for a free, six-day entertainment and cultural celebration – featuring Tones And I, Tim Minchin and Marcia Hines, with a 500-drone Skyshow in an Australian first.

For the first time ever, Sydney’s Cahill Expressway will be transformed into a spectacular stage for ELEVATE Sydney, featuring an invigorating line-up of live music, discussion, activities and performance over six days and nights.

Launching on Saturday 1 January and running through until Thursday 6 January 2022, the ELEVATE Sydney program includes more than 180 performers, including 20 internationally acclaimed Australian artists, captivating audiences from morning to night across three zones and two different stages.

Part of the NSW Government’s efforts to turbocharge the CBD’s recovery, ELEVATE Sydney tickets will be free and feature enthralling talent from a diverse array of genres including children’s entertainment, sport, disco, musical theatre, youth, First Nations and pop.

The program showcases and celebrates Sydney’s multiculturalism, diversity, vibrant night life, and dynamic culinary landscape with headline acts including Tones And I, Tim Minchin, Baker Boy, Electric Fields, Marcia Hines, Leo Sayer, The Wiggles, Ngaiire and L-FRESH the LION.

In an Australian first, ELEVATE Skyshow will feature 500 choreographed drones over Sydney Cove, creating a mesmerising light show that will demonstrate the capabilities of operating swarms of drones in incredibly precise and elaborate patterns. The multisensory drone performance is set to an original soundscape that will light up the night sky following ELEVATE Sydney’s headline performances.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said ELEVATE Sydney will help revive the spirit of the city, reminding the world why tourists travel from across the world to experience our lifestyle.

“The day after the fireworks, this event will begin the new year with a celebration of what makes our city great,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Nowhere else could you hold this kind of event, nowhere has our harbour, our setting or our weather - this is part of our ongoing vision for taking our city from good to great.

“This has been a tough time for hospitality and tourism, we’re committed to doing everything we can to get these industries back on their feet and ensuring that our people have the chance to enjoy the city again.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, and Minister for Industry and Trade Stuart Ayres said ELEVATE Sydney was part of the NSW Government’s plan to support recovery and showcase the state and Harbour City to the world. 

“Getting more visitors to Sydney and regional NSW, giving them high quality experiences and offering a smorgasbord of events will propel us toward our goal of being the premier visitor economy and events capital of the Asia Pacific by 2030,” Mr Ayres said.  

“We know visitors and locals alike are looking for unforgettable experiences to Feel New – and what could be better than immersing yourself in an event that brings together the power of wellbeing, dance, culture, art and community, set against one of the world’s most spectacular backdrops, Sydney’s magnificent harbour.

“This is a very special and exciting event which will elevate Sydney and NSW to a global audience, it will elevate our homegrown talent, it will elevate our economy and it will elevate community spirit,” Mr Ayres said.  

Highlights of the ELEVATE Sydney line-up include:

• ELEVATE First: Opening night First Nations Celebration produced by Rhoda Roberts AO featuring a Call to Country, with Baker Boy and electronic music duo Electric Fields.
• ELEVATE Kids: Family friendly morning sessions featuring a huge line-up of the kids’ favourite characters featuring The Wiggles, Simon Wiggle & Friends, plus well-being activities.
• ELEVATE Arena: Variety style afternoon sessions celebrating the best of Aussie sport culture with host comedian Joel Ozborn serving up interviews with sporting greats, music and live entertainment alongside reporter and commentator Stephanie Brantz.
• Club ELEVATE: Themed evening sessions showcasing headline music performances across different genres including Todd McKenney, Hauskey, Courtney Act, Leo Sayer, BVT and CXLOE.

The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during ELEVATE Sydney, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.

Up to 30,000 tickets to the event will be available to sessions over the six-day program at www.elevatesydney.com from Thursday 2 December 2021.

For more information about what’s on in Sydney and NSW, go to sydney.com and visitnsw.com  

MEDIA CONTACTS
Elissa Tyrrell, 0421 130 440
Samantha Antoun, 0447 429 269