Vivid Sydney 2025 Lights Up the Harbour City
The heart of Sydney came alive Friday night as the iconic Vivid Sydney festival flipped the switch on its 2025 edition, embracing the theme of “Dream – a vision of light, harmony, and a future in balance.”
City Transformed into a Living Canvas
Crowds gathered in the CBD, where glowing projections and imaginative installations transformed the city into a living canvas. Over the next 23 days, more than three million people are expected to explore the over 40 dazzling light displays spanning the Harbour City. Vivid Sydney 2025 is set to be the biggest yet, offering visitors an opportunity to step into a world of innovation, art, and culture.
A Festival That Dares You to Dream
“In 2025, Vivid Sydney invites you to dream big,” proclaims the official website. “To go to the outer reaches of your mind, to think differently, without boundaries or preconceptions and to immerse yourself in new experiences and ideas.” This year’s program reflects that mission, combining art, performance, and technology into an immersive urban spectacle.
A Powerful Opening with First Light
The festival’s first evening began with First Light, a powerful welcome ceremony held at Campbells Cove in The Rocks. Indigenous dancers from NAISDA, dressed in traditional attire and illuminated by bursts of fire and color, led the celebration. Their performance created a moment of reflection and pride, bringing deep cultural roots into the heart of the city’s contemporary celebration.
Dreaming Without Boundaries
“We want you to dream with the lights on, to daydream, to dream without boundaries, to soar.” The ethos of the event resonates through every projection and performance, inviting all to engage with light not just visually, but emotionally and intellectually.
Celebrating First Nations Talent
Following the welcome ceremony, a free concert celebrated First Nations pride. The opening night was hosted by rapper Ziggy Ramo, who introduced a stellar lineup of emerging Indigenous artists. The one-night-only music showcase featured talents like DJ Rona, Kaiit, and Jeremy Whiskey, energizing the crowd with a blend of beats, lyrics, and culture.
A Festival of Culture, Creativity, and Connection
This vibrant beginning marks a powerful statement for Vivid 2025 — blending tradition with forward-thinking artistry, and encouraging audiences to reimagine what’s possible when light and culture converge. Each evening over the coming weeks, Sydney will pulse with this spirit of creativity and inclusion, welcoming the world to dream with open eyes.
