Dreamt up in 2009 to lure even more crowds to the harbour’s edge, Vivid Festival has proven one of the most popular events in Sydney’s cultural calendar. 

The annual arts celebration has just confirmed a return in 2017, unveiling an impressive line-up of international movers and shakers across the music, arts and foodie fields. the free public exhibition of outdoor lighting sculptures that includes a lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails. 2017’s event will be illuminating Sydney City for 23 nights, from May 26 to June 17.

But while Vivid Festival may be most renowned for its light displays, there will also be creativity in spades. Musical entertainment will be provided by the likes of Goldfrapp, Fleet Foxes, Laura Marling, Air and Sampha to name but a few.

The ideas segment of the festival is equally varied and impressive. Events will include ‘Tips for Creative Business’, a Creative Women’s Conference, The Sydney Film Festival. And for those food-inclined, there will be Evolving a Tasty Niche – Love and Struggle in Creative Food Careers with quirky cake Queen Katherine Sabbath and Automata’s Clayton Wells.