Vivid Sydney, an ongoing cultural festival in Australia

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Vivid Sydney, an ongoing cultural festival in Australia, brings together international and local artistes

It is that time of the year that the city of Sydney shines brighter than sunshine! Vivid Sydney — the annual cultural festival of Australia — that began last week is a show that sees the biggest names in culture come together under one banner. The festival includes over 40 stunning light art installations in a free outdoor exhibition where children are encouraged to climb on interactive sculptures and aspiring photographers can put their night camera settings to the test. Iconic buildings around Circular Quay have been transformed like never before with 3D projection technology and laser techniques; while Sydney's Campbell's Cove serves a masterpiece of giant flame with five nightly performances of the Fire Dance spectacular. The Sydney Opera House is the focal point of the festival with Vivid LIVE, a music program comprising local and international artists. "Vivid Sydney aims to illuminate the city with creativity and inspiration in ways we have never seen before," says Ignatius Jones, executive producer of the festival. "We are working with our best and brightest talents in the creative industries, and inviting international creative minds to Sydney to show off what they can do, to swap ideas and most importantly reach out to, the public and electrify us with their creations," he adds. The 18-day long festival, that started on May 27 is on till June 13, and is defined by a brilliant line up of both international and local artistes including Bat for Lashes, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, The Avalanches, Cut Copy, Horse Meat Disco and The Crystal Ark. Legendary jazzman, the 'Saxophone Colossus' Sonny Rollins will celebrate his 80th birthday on the Sydney Opera House stage, and renowned British act Spiritualized will perform their magnum opus 'Ladies and Gentlemen, We Are Floating in Space' in its entirety with full choir and orchestra. Vivid Sydney's pop-up bar, The Sony Lounge, will be set up in the Western Foyers of Sydney Opera House with an ever-changing menu of DJs and a daily radio program on Triple J presented by Belgian brothers 2ManyDjs. Vivid Sydney being one of the biggest cultural fests of Australia attracted more than 300,000 people in 2010. The number is expected to go up to 400,000 this year. It is touted to be a sensory experience for all and sundry. A gigantic sketchpad is put up for people to draw their own light art. Public talks and debates too are a part of the regular activities.