Lightscape will turn Sydney nights into a technicolour wonderland
As the days slowly become shorter, Sydney nights light up with the electrifying colours and vibrant atmosphere of Australia’s largest festival, Vivid Sydney.
This year, experience the majestic Royal Botanic Gardens in a brand-new light when the international sensation Lightscape illuminates the senses from 24 May to 15 June as part of the festival attractions.
When the sun goes down, the garden will be turned into an all-ages technicolour wonderland designed to highlight the park’s unique landscape, revealing moments of wonder to share with everyone.
Visitors can walk beneath gravity-defying dandelions in Light a Wish or the suspended flowers of Floraison, marvel at the glowing Neon Outline Trees or Blossom’s light blooms, be mesmerised by Trapezoid and delight in the beloved Winter Cathedral.
Presented by Vivid Sydney and Sony Music Entertainment, Lightscape, a renowned phenomenon of light, colour, and sound, will dazzle visitors with all-new lightworks and installations by local and international artists.
Culture Creative director Ian Bone tells North Shore Living that the company is delighted to reimagine the Lightscape trail for its second Sydney season.
“Almost all the work selected to be part of this year’s Lightscape Sydney will be either new to Sydney or, in the case of Sea of Light and the Fire Garden, will return in a new configuration,” he explains. “The theme for Vivid Sydney 2024 is ‘Humanity’ and this is carried through in the work that we have selected for this year’s trail.”
The self-guided walk follows an illuminated 1.8 kilometre trail through the harbourside gardens, under colourful canopies, through dynamic, glowing tunnels and alongside technicolour trees stretching up from the undergrowth.
“One of the first pieces of art visitors will see when they arrive is Wave of Emotion, which represents the waves of the water next to the garden, but also symbolises the deep waves of emotion we feel throughout our lives,” he adds.
Two new pieces brought to this year’s event courtesy of Light Art Collection based in the Netherlands are Bunch of Tulips by Hungarian artists Koros Design and Light a Wish by OGE Group, which is made up of 10 enlarged fuzzy dandelion heads.
“If you are new to Lightscape, it is almost a right of passage to get a selfie in the Winter Cathedral. My advice to visitors is always to look up and take your time. Equally stop and look back the way you came and some of the views of the city from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney at night are incredible – especially during Vivid Sydney when the city is lit throughout,” Ian says.
This show is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible with food and drinks that can be purchased along the trail.
Come along with your family and friends and don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Sydney’s favourite night lights extravaganza.
Lightscape at Vivid
When 24 May to 15 June
Where Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Duration 90 minutes recommended
Cost $30 adult $18 child $88 family (2A/2C)
Tickets lightscapesydney.com.au