6 Reasons M’sians Shouldn’t Miss the World’s Biggest Festival of Lights, Music and Ideas!

As one of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney is a bustling place with a lot to offer. Not only do you get to experience the coffee culture, the delicious variety of food and the breathtaking sights, the multicultural nature of Sydney also gives off a very welcoming vibe. No wonder so many Malaysians love flying there!

It doesn’t hurt that Sydney also happens to be the home to one of the world’s largest festival of lights, music and ideas: Vivid Sydney, which happens every year, is a glorious event that’s packed with a whole lot of things to do ranging from scenic light displays to discussions on topics like technology and even food. This 2018 is no different, as there’s also a whole bunch of awesome performances to look forward to!

Never heard of it? Well, after this you’d wish you had! As the festival is right around the corner, we’re here to give you a rundown on what awesome things you really can’t miss out on. Take note, y’all! 

1. The gorgeous light installations

Where it is: The Royal Botanic Garden

When: 25th May – 16th June

Highlights:

• ‘Garden of Sweeties’ – this one sugar coats its invitation to learn about renewable energy by offering a playful interaction with a garden of sweets, lollipops and striped candy canes.
• ‘The Bloom’ – an interactive installation that allows you to enter the very centre of a flower and pose for some really cool photos, as you’re framed by petals of light.
• ‘Parrot Party’ – this artwork cum social event showcases a cheerful flock of brightly-coloured birds perched on the staggered tiers of an open pavilion in the Royal Botanic Garden. They chatter, tweet, chirp and sing to welcome guests to the party too!

Why you shouldn’t miss: The whole Royal Botanic Garden, which is transformed into a colourful, lit wonderland!

2. The VR Music Festival Experience

Where it is: Carriageworks

When: 2nd June

Highlights:

• You get a chance to put on a HTC Vive headset and be transported into the middle of a concert experience.
• It fuses music, sound effects, 3D animations and a lot of other cool stuff to give you an awesome time.
• You can actually interact with the different elements that you see in the scene.

Why you shouldn’t miss: The experience of a live music concert using upcoming technology without actually having to get all hot and sweaty!

3. The Spirit of Fun

Where it is: Luna Park

When: 25th May – 16th June

Highlights:

• Luna Park itself has been open since 1953. That’s a whole lot of history!
• It is a grand installation that brings to life the park’s artworks, characters and soul.
• The face of the iconic Luna Park ferris wheel will also be lit up to dazzle spectators!

Why you shouldn’t miss: A grand fun fair experience complete with more magic and pretty lights.

4. The chance to see St. Vincent perform live

Where it is: Carriageworks

When: 17th June

Highlights:

• She’s a Grammy Award winner.
• St. Vincent is inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Kate Bush.
• Her complex music arrangements, as she is known for experimenting with different instruments. Her lyrics also explore a range of human emotions, such as being vulnerable (as evident in her song ‘Rattlesnake’). This combination is sure to move you!

Why you shouldn’t miss: It’s a one-night only performance, so it’s definitely going to be special!

5.  Witness the ocean come to life

Where it is: Darling Harbour

When: 25th May – 15th June (Fantastic Oceans), 25th May – 16th June (National Maritime Museum)

Highlights:

• Watching BBC Earth and Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II  projected onto the National Maritime Museum’s rooftop.
• Fantastic Oceans light display. It brings jellyfish and other bio-luminescent creatures to life.

Why you shouldn’t miss: The atmosphere of Darling Harbour and the combination of aquatic lights work perfectly together.

6. The giant luminescent puppet of Barangaroo

Where it is: Barangaroo

When: 25th May – 16th Jun

Highlights:

• It’s inspired by the elements of water, earth and fire.
• Barangaroo’s waterfront is transformed into a beautiful illuminated promenade.
• The giant luminescent puppet is so big that it’s operated by a TEAM of performers.

Why you shouldn’t miss: A haunting but gorgeous display that will give you a different glimpse of Sydney.

Looks pretty awesome, right? Best of all, all the stuff listed here is just a small selection of what you can expect from the Vivid Sydney Festival 2018! If you want to find out more about Vivid Sydney, check out their website here.

If you’re wondering how you’re going to get yourself there, don’t fret, as our trusty AirAsia X flies up to 11 times weekly to Sydney. Yup, super frequent! 

Even better news is that they are now having promo fares for return flights from RM499 AND you can travel from now till the 30th of September 2018!

Pro tip: Book quickly, as the promotion ends on 6th May 2018.

Take a look here for more info on Sydney and New South Wales!