Vivid 2023 breaks all the records

Sydney’s light extravaganza that is Vivid has once again broken its attendance record, seeing an estimated 3.28 million people visit the event for its 2023 edition.

This year’s event included the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere and a new food focus in the Vivid Fire Kitchen nestled into Barangaroo’s subterranean event space, The Cutaway.

The record attendance comes in the same year that Vivid, for the first time, included experiences that were not free of charge, such as installations in the tunnels underneath Wynyard Train Station, which could easily equate to over $100 for families.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said not only did the festival break attendance records, but with so many people sharing their experience at Vivid Sydney it reached millions across the world.

“It has been a record-breaking year for Vivid Sydney. I couldn’t be prouder of what the festival has achieved in 2023 and how it highlighted our creative industries at its best. Of the 3.28 million people who attended the festival, it was great to see so many people sharing their Vivid Sydney experiences on social media during the 23-nights and showcasing Sydney.

“We’re so grateful to all our artists, performers, musicians, speakers and chefs. Without them our program would not be anywhere near as successful, and we’re so thrilled to be able to share this with millions from around the globe.”

The top 5 most shared light projections/installations from Vivid Sydney 2023, based on the use of ‘#vividsydney’ on TikTok and Instagram.  

1.       Dark Spectrum: Unlike anything ever seen before at Vivid Sydney, the world-premiere activation transformed the abandoned Wynyard Station train tunnels into a multi-sensory experience inspired by the euphoria found on underground dancefloors. Eight rooms provided a progressive colour journey through the human condition and the ultimate Insta-worthy photo moments.

2.       Written in the Stars: the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere – which boosted festival attendance on the traditionally quieter mid-week and Sunday nights, with more than 500,000 people viewing the seven shows.

3.       Lightscape: the global sensation Lightscape, which has fascinated over 10 million people around the world, activated the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. This uniquely curated journey through light and sound takes you through glowing tree canopies, neon roots, shards of light and breath-taking lightworks, visitors can still experience the magic of Lightscape in Sydney until 16 July.

4.       Lighting of the Sails: Life Enlivened (2023): The spectacular Sydney Opera House Lighting of the Sails: Life Enlivened (2023) showcasing the work of esteemed late Australian artist John Olsen AO OBE.

5.       Dandelion: A 4,000kg steel recreation of a dandelion’s wispy calyx with interactive hand sensors by Sydney public art collective Amigo & Amigo.