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read moreVivid Sydney has recorded its largest ever attendance numbers with crowds of more than 3.28 million enjoying light, music, ideas and food programs over 23 nights.
Highlighting another booming year for Vivid, the record participants confirmed the event's importance in bringing people together.
Vivid Sydney’s 2023 drone shows Written in the Stars proved to be hugely popular with more than 500,000 people viewing the seven shows.
This year the number of free shows increased from one show, with 600 drones in 2022, to six scheduled and one surprise final night show in 2023 featuring more than 1000 drones.
The P.A. People again supported Vivid with an extensive comms package as well as PA systems at various installations around the CBD. Contributing services including intercoms and networking, CCTV, sound pressure level monitoring through to two-way radios for production and security staff, The P.A. People designed and delivered a comprehensive suite of services to support the presentation of Vivid Sydney 2023.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini shared “after COVID-19, we proudly raised the bar in 2022 growing the festival’s attendance by 7%. This year we surpassed those figures. I’m still pinching myself.
“It’s hard to comprehend the magnitude of the increase in turnout. We’re extremely proud and very grateful to all our artists, performers, musicians, speakers and chefs. Without them, our program would not be anywhere near as successful."
“Vivid Food has been the standout in 2023. More than 190,000 people checked out Vivid Fire Kitchen which is just incredible, with many of our Vivid Food events receiving rave reviews, selling out or achieving very high attendance.”
Vivid Sydney 2023 highlights included:
The sold-out ‘Vivid Residence’ event showcased one of the world’s best chefs, Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, in a takeover at Aria Restaurant right on Sydney Harbour. Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Cutaway, a smoke and fire themed food adventure featured a line-up of street food vendors, restaurants and original dining concepts in Barangaroo attracting 190,000 people.
Vivid Sydney also delivered strong returns for Harbour City businesses in Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf, Barangaroo, Walsh Bay, The Rocks, East Circular Quay, West Circular Quay and the CBD over the 23 nights. Restaurants across the festival footprint reported 81% of attendees purchasing food and beverages – more diners than any Vivid Sydney festival to date.
Hotels in the CBD also reported increased occupancy during the festival, with occupancy rates up 12% overall compared to last year’s festival, lifting occupancy to 78% across the CBD and 90% on Friday and Saturday nights.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham noted “Sydneysiders and visitors relished the chance to enjoy our night-time economy and we showcased Sydney, at its finest, to the world.
“These figures show how popular Vivid Sydney is, how it captures imaginations and shares with visitors and Sydneysiders alike the best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.”
Tourism Accommodation Australia Chief Executive Michael Johnson added “the growing success of Vivid Sydney year upon year is a credit to the NSW Government, Destination NSW, the events team, and all in involved. The impact it has on the city of Sydney is unparalleled and to see our hotels at times reaching 90% occupancy during Winter is a remarkable achievement.
“The implementation of new activations such as additional drone shows, and the new Vivid Food Pillar allowed our stunning city to shine brighter than ever before."
“Vivid Sydney is a magnificent event as it not only draws millions of people to the city but encourages them to spend the night in one of our many incredible hotels."
“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all who made this event possible. Your creativity, innovation and vision continues to light up the night sky.”
Images. Credit: Karen Sweaney
1st June 2023 - TDC deploy Barco laser projectors to capture essence of nature for Vivid Sydney 2023
27th May 2023 - Spectacular opening night for Vivid Sydney 2023
26th May 2023 - The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden transforms during Vivid Sydney
6th April 2023 - Vivid Sydney 2023 to deliver most culturally relevant program in its event history
30th March 2023 - Vivid Sydney 2023 to add first-ever activation of Wynyard railway tunnels
21st February 2023 - The P.A. People advise delivery of multiple technical solutions for sport and events
8th November 2022 - The P.A. People deliver audio/AV solution for Bondi Pavilion makeover
7th October 2022 - The P.A. People to present new TheatreQuip products at the ENTECH Roadshow
11th August 2022 - The P.A. People launch TheatreQuip range of theatre hoists at ICC Sydney
4th August 2022 - Movecat chooses The P.A. People for exclusive distribution in Australia and New Zealand
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