Carriageworks, Vivid Sydney 2019Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds enjoying Hayden James at the Curve Ball music event at Carriageworks, Eveleigh during VIvid Sydney 2019.
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This year’s Vivid Sydney Music program is packed with more than 150 gigs, revealing the breadth and depth of local talent alongside exciting international headliners. We spoke to Vivid Sydney’s Music Curator Joe Muller to find out what he’s most excited about across the program, as well as where he’ll be heading on the Light Walk.
“There’s a huge sense of optimism amongst the artists performing at Vivid Sydney this year, and amongst the music community as a whole. There’s a feeling that Vivid Sydney’s return is a real flag in the sand for the return of music, arts and culture in Sydney. Our program includes a spread of international acts and domestic talent and elevates our most potent local Sydney artists, talking to the festival's creative direction – Vivid Sydney: The Soul of the City. A mix of more than 25 venues right across the city will host music events, happening in our cultural institutions and iconic spaces as well as non-traditional venues – activating stages that have never existed before. It’s a bold step forward for the music program.” - Joe Muller
Here are Joe Muller’s not-to-miss Vivid Music performances for 2022:
Vivid Sydney 2022 Hype Reel Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2022
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Vivid Sydney 2022 Hype Reel Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2022
Spiritualized: 7pm, 16 June at Big Top Luna Park
This legendary UK space rock band will make their welcome return to Vivid Sydney (they performed at the festival in 2011) for an Australian mainland exclusive performance. Frontman Jason Pierce will bring his 9-piece band featuring horns, strings and beautiful gospel style vocal arrangements to deliver a retrospective set spanning their entire career, celebrating the release of their ninth studio album, Everything is Beautiful - an epic offering of swirling and hypnotic, psych pop.
Baxter Dury: 7pm, 4 June at Metro Theatre
Another UK artist, Baxter Dury is the son of legendary post-punk icon Ian Dury of the Blockheads. In Baxter’s 20-year career he has never toured Australia, and so this will be a really special Sydney debut— with the cult fave delivering late night disco, marrying his trademark indie croon and seedy synth pop with a full live band and backing singers.
Cakes Da Killa: 7pm, 17 June at Oxford Art Factory
This NY based artist sits at the arrow point of a global movement of queer hip hop artists turning heads and defying stereotypes. Expect high energy dance energy, lightning-fast raps and a whole lot of fun.
The Gospel According to Marcia: 8pm, 9-10 June at St Stephen’s Uniting Church
A Vivid Sydney exclusive, this is the debut of Marcia Hines’s show based on her new gospel album. Originally from the US, the much-loved singer has embraced her roots, reflecting on the years she grew up singing in churches. The candlelit concert will be held in a church and feature a live band gospel choir with bespoke lighting treatment. This will be an incredibly special couple of shows.
Baxter Dury Credit: Destination New South Wales
Vivid Sydney 2022
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Baxter Dury Credit: Destination New South Wales
Vivid Sydney 2022
Cakes Da Killa Credit: Destination New South Wales
Vivid Sydney 2022
#vividsydney
Cakes Da Killa Credit: Destination New South Wales
Vivid Sydney 2022
Vivid Sydney Supper Club: 10pm-1am, Friday and Saturdays at Mary’s Underground
A first for Vivid Sydney, the Vivid Supper Club is a late-night variety show held every Friday and Saturday night of the festival at Mary's Underground. Curated by Sydney uber-Diva Trevor Ashley, a beloved cabaret performer, the line-up includes performers such as Mahalia Barnes, Tim Freedman, Bob Downes and more with our very own Vivid Sydney Supper Club house band plus pop up guests and surprise performances spanning the worlds of cabaret, comedy, burlesque and live music.
Tumbalong Nights: Various times, Wednesdays-Saturdays at Tumbalong Park
A public program of free shows will be held from Wednesday to Saturday nights for the duration of the festival, right in the heart of the Light Walk, featuring a line-up of diverse Australian talent. This is a massive program, with highlights including Mo’ju, , Mildlife, Milan Ring, Maina Doe, Donny Benet and the premiere of a new collaboration from Gordon Koang and Sampology. On Saturdays from 5-6pm, there will also be a program tailored just for kids featuring Playschool’s Justine Clarke and more.
Joe’s Light Walk must do:
Earth Deities by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Earth Deities is an eight-metre-tall, multi-limbed avatar that will come alive at night through the synthesis of dramatic lighting at Hickson Road Reserve. Ramesh brings a punk energy and playfulness to his sculptural works that really resonates and sits beautifully alongside the direction of the music program.
The Vivid Music program will host gigs across Sydney and also include programming as part of the Sydney Opera House’s Vivid LIVE program and Carriageworks.
Vivid Sydney will run for 23 nights from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June 2022. For more information go to www.vividsydney.com and get social using @vividsydney #vividsydney.
Tumbalong Nights Credit: Destination NSW
Tumbalong Nights, Vivid Sydney 2022
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Tumbalong Nights Credit: Destination NSW
Tumbalong Nights, Vivid Sydney 2022
Earth Deities by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran Credit: Jessica Maurer & Kane Sullivan
Vivid Sydney 2022
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Earth Deities by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran Credit: Jessica Maurer & Kane Sullivan
Vivid Sydney 2022
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.