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ONE WEEK TO GO UNTIL LIGHTS ON
It’s time to make your Vivid Sydney plans, with just one week to go until Australia’s most loved and awarded light festival returns to Sydney on Friday 24 May. See the city transform, discover new art forms, ride soundwaves and ignite conversations.
Vivid Sydney, now in its eleventh year, is the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, lighting up Sydney and surrounds at 6pm each night for 23 days from Friday 24 May until Saturday 15 June 2019.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said, “Vivid Sydney is a truly significant event for NSW, delivering dividends to the entire NSW economy."
“The economic impact of last year’s event was almost $173 million in tourism related spending from 2.25 million attendees across the 23 days,” Mr Ayres said.
Destination NSW Chief Executive and Executive Producer – Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase said, “It doesn’t matter your age or background, whether it’s your first time to Sydney or you’re a local - Vivid Sydney has universal appeal. The Vivid Sydney program offers diverse and accessible installations, events and experiences that everyone can enjoy.”
“Make your plans now to avoid missing out on any of the action,” Ms Chipchase said.
VIVID LIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
o Pixar: 30 years of art & animation – Taking audiences on a visual journey through Pixar Animation Studios’ creative process, from early film development to the finished product.
o Austral Flora Ballet – LA based Chinese-American visual artist Andrew Thomas Huang will create Austral Flora Ballet - an hypnotic fusion of contemporary dance and motion-capture technology - for the annual projection onto the Sydney Opera House.
o Lights for the wild – walk through Taronga Zoo’s heritage-listed main entrance and meet the Sumatran Tiger and her cubs alongside awe-inspiring multimedia light sculptures.
VIVID MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS
o Paul Kelly in thirteen ways to look at birds - For one night only, Paul Kelly and James Ledger will be joined by celebrated piano trio Seraphim and singer-songwriter Alice Keath to showcase a unique combination of electronics, acoustic instruments and vocals at City Recital Hall on 1 June.
o Curve Ball - Curve Ball will return for its fourth year on 8 June, transforming Carriageworks into an immersive sonic and visual extravaganza.
o Purple Sneakers Thirteenth Birthday - Purple Sneakers will take over The Landsdowne for their thirteenth birthday celebrations together with creative music agency UNDR Ctrl and local institution FBi Radio.
VIVID IDEAS HIGHLIGHTS
o New Horizons: The Future of Sex - Creator of the wildly popular podcast The Future of Sex Bryony Cole reveals her findings about the $30 billion sextech industry, how it is evolving, and what innovations are coming next.
o Next Gen Female Innovators - Future Women and Sylvia Jeffreys will share inspirational stories behind some of Australia’s most distinguished female entrepreneurs, as well as some solid gold advice from lessons they’ve learnt along the way.
o Vivid Art After Hours: ‘Other’ Voices - Artist Abdul Abdullah will join rapper, poet and author Omar Musa in conversation about self-expression and exploring the issues of identity and nationalism in modern Australia.
NEW ENGLAND BATHED IN GOLDEN GLOW THIS AUTUMN
Golden sunsets, picturesque vistas and hearty local produce feature at the core of a new highlights package, designed to showcase the rich and unique experiences that make the NSW New England region the perfect Autumn escape.
The series of sensational videos and photographs focus on the key attractions on offer in the regional towns of Armidale and Glen Innes during the cooler months.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this region of NSW is particularly beautiful at this time of year and ripe for a visit.
“From poplar tree-lined streets bathed in warm golden hues, to cosy country hotels offering delicious rustic dishes and local wines, NSW’s New England region absolutely thrives in Autumn,” Mr Ayres said.
“This new content package shows why we continue to invest record funding in rural and regional NSW.
“Tourism in regional areas contributes a massive $19.5 billion to the NSW economy, and directly employs 90,400 people. Aside from the major economic benefits, we are also determined to share the best of the bush with the world because of the unique and unbeatable experiences on offer.”
To view or download the new content, visit the Destination NSW Content Library.
DIVERSITY THE FOCUS OF NEW WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM VIDEO
A new video exploring the vast array of attractions and experiences in Western Sydney has been released; showcasing one of the State’s fastest-growing regions to both locals and visitors.
Despite being home to almost half of Sydney’s overall population, many people are unaware of the breadth of the natural beauty, historic locations, cultural experiences, unique attractions, fine dining and outdoor adventures located in Western Sydney.
The highlights reel – produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW – features key attractions in Parramatta, Penrith, The Hills District, Liverpool, Blacktown, Fairfield, Camden, Campbelltown and Picton.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said, “I am proud to represent Western Sydney, which is a key contributor to the NSW Visitor Economy and currently delivers an impressive $4.2 billion in visitor expenditure for our State.”
“One of the best things about Western Sydney is our long-established cultural diversity, which inherently brings with it a unique collection of international, historic, dining and outdoor experiences, suitable for all demographics.”
View the video on Minister Stuart Ayres’ Facebook page.
MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION ENTERS 'WEEKEND EDITION'
The nation’s premier fashion event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) has debuted Resort 2020 Collections from some of the State’s most prominent fashion designers, alongside a curated program of emerging talent and international labels.
MBFWA has taken place in Sydney as part of a coveted three-year deal with the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Aje opened MBFWA 2019 at Campbell’s Cove on Sunday 12 May with an all-Australian collection, which included prints featuring wattle, eucalypt, paperbark and bottlebrush and silhouettes inspired by elements of the Australian landscape.
Bec and Bridge kicked off the first official day of shows on Monday, joined by numerous other Australian designers with shows throughout the week, including Thurley, We Are Kindred, Alice McCall and Carla Zampatti.
While the industry side of MBFWA 2019 is about to wrap up for another year, consumers can see all the highlights from the resort collections directly following MBFWA with the ‘Weekend Edition’ at Carriageworks. The event will showcase a series of runway shows, as well as an on-site retail shopping hub which features premium ready-to-wear, accessories and jewellery brands from more than 30 local and international fashion labels.
View the schedule and buy tickets here.
VANFEST DEEMED A HUGE SUCCESS
Thousands of music lovers gathered last weekend (10 – 11 May) to attend Vanfest 2019 at Forbes Showground.
Organisers have described the event as a “huge success”, particularly thanks to support from volunteers, Forbes Shire Council and the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Nyxen, Thundamentals and Golden Features featured on the Friday night, before the sun started to come out on Saturday and motocross act The Crusty Demons were able to put on their show.
Artists who took to the stage throughout Saturday night included Eves Karydas, Methel Ethel, Mallrat and Broods, before Australian dance music trio Pnau wrapped up the event.
Vanfest is a regional based music and arts festival, designed to support and strengthen youth culture and community tourism. The event supports up and coming young Australian artists, as well as bringing high calibre international touring artists to central NSW.
NEW TICKETS ON SALE FOR MURIEL'S WEDDING
The highly-acclaimed Australian Muriel’s Wedding The Musical commences in Sydney in June at the Lyric Theatre supported by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. Back by popular demand after a sold-out premiere Sydney season, new tickets have just been released on Ticketmaster.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is a show you definitely do not want to miss.
“Even if you haven’t seen the film, you would have no doubt heard the classic line, ‘You’re terrible, Muriel!’ This reflects just how embedded Muriel’s Wedding is in our cultural fabric, so I am delighted this creative musical adaptation of the iconic Australian movie is returning to Sydney following its sell-out premiere season,” Mr Ayres said.
Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is a theatrical version of PJ Hogan’s iconic hit film, updated to today by the writer himself with music and lyrics by Australian award winning songwriters Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall with additional songs by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson written for ABBA.
Photo credit: Jeff Busby
WARM UP WITH PIE TIME
Pie Time will kick off in just a matter of weeks, with a month-long mouth-watering calendar of events, tours and experiences on offer throughout June in the Southern “Pielands” Highlands.
Take part in the Great Pie Drive, Saucey Painting or one of several Pie and Pinot events. Visit Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures to Fly High with a Pie, warm up at a Bonfire and Pie Night or eat your way around the Southern Highlands on the Pie Trail, with more than 30 local pie outlets taking part.
Visit Destination Southern Highlands for more information about how you can take part in Pie Time.
VISIT WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS
Western Sydney Parklands is playing host to a range of upcoming events, suitable for all ages.
The STEAM AHEAD festival (25 - 26 May) is designed with 7 to 12 year olds in mind; fusing art and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) together through a range of exciting activities, including the Crazy Science Lab, Edible Bug Shop and Robotics Man show.
Next month, the whole family can join in the Western Sydney parklands Trail Run, which features 4 courses specially designed for all types of runners.
Register here.
ENTER THE REGIONAL TOURISM AWARDS
The Regional Tourism Awards are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism in regional NSW.
This year, the Awards are open to operators in all six Destination Networks in NSW; providing tourism organisations and individuals with the opportunity to gain an insight into their industry, their business, achieve recognition for their success and promote tourism within their region.
Winners of the Regional Tourism Awards gain finalists status upon entering the NSW State Tourism Awards, and if successful, go onto the National Tourism Awards. Find out more.
