Since I Left you, SILY, Sydney Solstice 2021, Sydney Credit: Time Out and Cassandra Hannagan
15 bars in the CBD’s buzzy new small bar precinct around York, Clarence and Kent streets, known as YCK Laneways, includes Sammy Junior and Since I Left You.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
SYDNEY SOLSTICE TO REVITALISE CITY
Since I Left you, SILY, Sydney Solstice 2021, Sydney Credit: Time Out and Cassandra Hannagan
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Live music paired with stargazing at the Sydney Observatory. Winemakers at Aria showcasing NSW’s vibrant wine and food scene. Country music in Newtown. A street party in South Eveleigh with Kylie Kwong. The return of Sydney live music mecca, the Metro Theatre, plus an ice rink at Darling Harbour and interactive art installations and dance performances in Chinatown laneways. These are among program highlights announced as part of Sydney Solstice, a brand new winter event curating top picks from Sydney’s world-class hospitality, music and creative industries and thriving night-time economy.
The Sydney Solstice event will be held from 8 to 20 June this year, and the eclectic line-up spans two weeks and more than 200 different experiences at popular Sydney restaurants, pubs, precincts, art galleries, museums, and live music venues across the CBD, Darling Harbour, Newtown, Oxford Street and surrounds.
Sydney Solstice VNR Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Solstice is a brand new winter event curating top picks from Sydney’s world-class hospitality, music and creative industries and thriving night-time economy.
#sydneysolstice #ilovesydney
Sydney Solstice VNR Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Solstice is a brand new winter event curating top picks from Sydney’s world-class hospitality, music and creative industries and thriving night-time economy.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Sydney Solstice 2021, Darling Harbour Credit: Sydney Harbour Kayaks
The Sydney Solstice Moonlight Sea Kayaking Experience is no ordinary lap around the harbour: this is the first time that the public has been allowed to kayak through this memorable and beautifully illuminated stretch of the city.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, Sydney Solstice 2021, Darling Harbour Credit: Sydney Harbour Kayaks
The Sydney Solstice Moonlight Sea Kayaking Experience is no ordinary lap around the harbour: this is the first time that the public has been allowed to kayak through this memorable and beautifully illuminated stretch of the city.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event program was set to stimulate the Sydney visitor economy during the winter period by encouraging Sydneysiders, NSW residents and visitors to get out and explore Sydney.
“The NSW Government remains committed to the revitalisation of Sydney CBD and surrounds and we are thrilled at the response and interest from local Sydney businesses with more than 150 venues and hundreds of artists, chefs and performers participating in Sydney Solstice.
“We anticipate Sydney Solstice will attract many locals and visitors to Sydney, and particularly, the four key precincts activated as part of the program. This is incredibly positive for so many businesses that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions to help support their recovery, as well as the community, who are looking for new ways to rediscover the Harbour City and restore their social calendar to its pre-COVID heights.
“Winter in Sydney is heating up this year. We are activating a wide range of venues across four precincts, some of which have not been open for public enjoyment for some time, across a broad range of interests. There’s never been a more appealing invitation to eat out, see a show, have a drink or embark on a new adventure in Sydney,” My Ayres said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said Sydney Solstice was a great example of the NSW Government’s commitment to CBD revitalisation.
"We’re breathing life back into Sydney again and events such as Sydney Solstice not only drive foot traffic to the CBD and surrounding precincts, they create jobs and energy in the business community,” Mr Perrottet said.
ARIA, Sydney Solstice 2021, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Oysters at ARIA, where Aria After Dark will be serving up NSW Winemaker sessions celebrating the state's food and wine scene.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
ARIA, Sydney Solstice 2021, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Oysters at ARIA, where Aria After Dark will be serving up NSW Winemaker sessions celebrating the state's food and wine scene.
The program is available here, with additional Sydney Solstice highlights from each of the four Sydney precincts revealed below:
Sydney CBD and surrounds:
- Immersive multi-sensory ‘Queen’s Feast’ dining and art experience by Heaps Gay at Sydney Town Hall featuring all female chefs including Sarah Tiong, Anna Polyviou, Georgia Woodyard and Claire Van Vuuren
- A world premiere work by William Barton, pairing live music with stargazing at the Sydney Observatory
- The return of performances at Sydney live music mecca, Metro Theatre
- Interactive art installations and dance performances in Chinatown
- A celebration of local seasonal produce and NSW wines at Aria restaurant
- A series of music, dance, theatre and art events in Sydney’s newest small bar precinct, YCK Laneways
- Late-night DJs, dancing and dim sum from Mr Wong
- Series of Mardi Gras events at Metro Theatre, the first time since 1980 that Mardi Gras is involved in International Pride Month.
Darling Harbour and surrounds:
- A Winter Fair celebration featuring an ice-skating rink, chalets, ice-skating demonstrations, daily local musician/DJ performances at Darling Harbour
- A series of large and small inflatables that capture the spirit of spectacular ocean creatures through an exciting and bold use of colour, pattern and form at the Australian National Maritime Museum
- A Craft Beer Festival at the Terminus Hotel, Pyrmont
- Night-time sea kayaking launching from Darling Harbour.
Kylie Kwong, ambassador for South Eveleigh Credit: Mark Pokorny
Kylie Kwong, ambassador for South Eveleigh.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Kylie Kwong, ambassador for South Eveleigh Credit: Mark Pokorny
Kylie Kwong, ambassador for South Eveleigh.
Newtown and surrounds:
- From 18-19 June, the streets of South Eveleigh will come alive as local restaurant heroes such as Kylie Kwong’s new eatery, Eat Fuh, RaRa Chan, and Steve Costi’s Famous Fish are celebrated, and music, entertainment and live performances fill the streets with colour and excitement
- The inaugural Country and Inner Western festival showcases the best emerging and established country, alternative country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and blues artists across an array of small bars, pubs, established venues and open spaces.
Oxford Street and surrounds:
- A two-week celebration of all things fermentation – brewers, winemakers, bakers and cheesemakers at Bitter Phew bar on Oxford Street
- ALTAR Danceteria at Hotel Harry is a two-week long celebration of music, food, dance and light, encompassing a range of bespoke events across different musical genres
- FBi's flagship electronic music show 'Sunset' heads out of the studio to host two intimate live broadcast events at Surry Hills’ Golden Age Cinema and Bar, featuring performances by Simon Caldwell and friends, Deepa, Ben Fester, Kato and friends.
Matt Whiley, owner of Re at South Eveleigh Credit: Lateef Okunna
Re is a regenerative drinking experience built in the shell of a former historic Locomotive Workshop building.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Matt Whiley, owner of Re at South Eveleigh Credit: Lateef Okunna
Re is a regenerative drinking experience built in the shell of a former historic Locomotive Workshop building.
Restaurateur and South Eveleigh ambassador Kylie Kwong says: “It’s really important that we keep driving Sydney’s recovery and to celebrate all of the beautiful things we love about this city. For me, I’m really looking forward to bringing in the cultural community of Sydney through food and drinks, music, art and First Nations culture. I really feel that this program is such a beautiful way where we can all come together and collaborate through the winter-time.”
Sydney Solstice
8-20 June 2021
www.sydneysolstice.com
#sydneysolstice
More News
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com