Vivid Sydney Festival 2016

Vivid Sydney Festival 2016, the sail-like shells of the Opera House were illuminated. On the road from Melbourne to Canberra, the weather turned rainy. During our time in Canberra, the rain alternated between torrential downpours and prolonged drizzles, a peculiar experience in Australia. On June 4th, we arrived in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Watching the dense rain and chilling gusts of wind, I realized we were caught in a storm. Later, I learned that a severe storm had swept through New South Wales and Victoria, causing significant damage to both people and property. I chuckled at myself for not checking the weather forecast before traveling. But amidst the misfortune, there was luck, as the Vivid Sydney Festival 2016 was underway (from May 27th to June 18th). How often do you get to admire the beauty of famous Sydney and this special event amidst a storm?

 

Every late autumn to early winter, Sydney celebrates vibrantly. The sail-like shells of the Opera House were first illuminated at the beginning of winter in 2009, enhancing their dazzling beauty. The Vivid Sydney Festival, organized annually, grows increasingly unique. Over 150 artists from Australia and 23 countries brought "light sculpture works" and grand concerts featuring 90 themes this year. This hemisphere's largest light festival is also considered one of the top 10 creative festivals globally.

 

Circular Quay

On the first evening, we strolled through the cold rain. The central area remained bustling. Circular Quay glowed brightly, crowded with people. The Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Australia, was the focal point of the festival with a dazzling light display called "Songlines." This piece by indigenous artists drew inspiration from Australian Aboriginal stories and art.

 
 

Opera House

Taking advantage of breaks in the rain, I "snapped" some photos of the Opera House with its unusually striking hues. The sails on the roof of the Opera House suddenly transformed into sails filled with light, colors, and ever-changing images. Throughout the festival, special music programs featuring numerous Australian and international artists will be showcased at this venue.


 

Right in front of the Opera House foyer is a very large souvenir shop.

With the idea of altering architectural structures with light, Sydney's high-rise buildings were illuminated by 3D lights. The Customs House - a renowned contemporary art museum in Sydney - became even more magnificent with a spectacular light show, transporting us into a fairytale world with captivating stories vividly told through the art of light.

 

 

Right in front of the Opera House foyer is a very large souvenir shop.

With the idea of altering architectural structures with light, Sydney's high-rise buildings were illuminated by 3D lights. The Customs House - a renowned contemporary art museum in Sydney - became even more magnificent with a spectacular light show, transporting us into a fairytale world with captivating stories vividly told through the art of light.

 

 
 

Customs House

Sydney Harbour Bridge gleamed brightly with LED lights. Ships crowded the Circular Quay wharf. There are many ferries, taking visitors on different routes around the bay. The ferries are large with two decks, many wooden seats on the upper deck at the rear, but due to the incessant rain and cold wind, tourists could only sit in the cushioned seats inside the glass cabin to admire the vibrant beauty of the bay and the shimmering lights.

Very impressive was Luna Park - an exhilarating amusement park - a brightly lit area in the pouring rain.

Returning to the hotel, everyone was tired and scattered, quickly turning on the heater and slipping into warm beds. Half asleep, I suddenly heard the crisp crackling of fireworks, only then remembering there was a fireworks display tonight! Knowing that Sydney's fireworks displays are famous for their grandeur, in this situation, all I could do was... listen to them from bed!

 

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