How to incorporate Vivid Sydney into your Event

Vivid Sydney is one of THE most exciting and vibrant festivals IN THE WORLD, showcasing a program of light, music and ideas. It took a break in 2020 (as did many major events), but we’re excited to say it’s back in 2021!

Taking over the city between 6th to 28th August 2021 [note it’s slightly later in the year than usual], visitors and locals alike can enjoy the vibrant light art installations, large-scale illuminations and mesmerising 3D-mapped building projections that light up Sydney’s waterfront, landmarks and gardens.

It also happens to be a fantastic backdrop for hosting an event! Whether you want to host your top clients, treat your staff to a special evening, celebrate a milestone birthday or host a magical wedding – Vivid Sydney provides the light and action to make it amazing!

However, don’t be fooled into thinking Vivid is only about the mesmerising light shows – there is also a full program of music and talks running throughout the festival period. If your company wants to align with Vivid’s quest for generating new and interesting ideas, this is a great time to host a special event. By inviting guests to a seminar or talk, which follows the Vivid theme of generating new ideas, you are sure to spark interest and engagement.

So, now that you have found a good reason to host an event during Vivid Sydney, how do you make it happen during this small window of opportunity?

It’s all about getting the right location… or should we say, picking the right venue. Outlined below are a selection of venues that are perfectly located for experiencing the Vivid festival – some even have special event packages for the period.

If you’re keen on hosting an event during Vivid Sydney, don’t delay – there are only limited dates available, so make sure you secure a date before the lights go out!

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Location:

Situated on Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art is Sydney’s best vantage point right in the heart of Vivid, surrounded by Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

What elements of Vivid can you see/ experience?

A highlight of Vivid each year, the MCA’s façade will again be transformed with a spectacular light installation.

This year majestic cliffs of colour by MCA Collection artist Helen Eager, titled New York Sunday (2021) will adorn the building.

The work is in collaboration with Rico and Julian Reinhold at HORSE, who will use pure light and expanding the visual possibilities. Eager has always worked with music, and for this piece, there is an ambitious and exciting collaboration with Paul Mac, a well-known electropop musician, songwriter, producer, and re-mixer who is creating an original soundtrack for the production.

Private event space:

For the first time ever, the MCA’s Harbourside Room is available to hire during Vivid Sydney, alongside the Quayside Room, Sculpture Terrace and Foundation Hall. Availability for these world-class venues won’t last long, book early to avoid disappointment.

Inspire your guests with a memorable event that tells a story and takes them on a journey during this Vivid Sydney.

Guest numbers:

Harbourside Room 200 seated (maximum) | 300 cocktail (maximum)
Quayside Room 110 seated (maximum) | 150 cocktail (maximum)
Sculpture Terrace 120 seated (maximum) | 300 cocktail (maximum)
Foundation Hall 300 seated (maximum) | 750 cocktail (maximum)

*Capacity subject to NSW Government guidelines for COVID-19.

LUNA PARK VENUES

Location:

Located in Milsons Point on the water’s edge, Luna Park offers fantastic views of Sydney Harbour, including Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Easily accessible by a short ferry or water taxi from Circular Quay (past many of the wonderful Vivid attractions), train and bus. There is also plenty of parking nearby. Luna Park is a great location for those looking to include a walk across the Bridge or ferry/water taxi ride on the way to and/or from their event.

What elements of Vivid can you see/ experience?

Sydney’s iconic home of fun comes alive with mesmerizing shapes and colours that illuminate from the smiling face, through clickety clack classic rides, intensifying its glow across the harbour with an array of new futuristic rides including two coasters; Boomerang and Little Nipper, alongside Sledgehammer, our 360-degree thrill ride and many more!

Upping the excitement, as well as Unlimited Rides, a pass to Vivid Sydney at Luna Park includes amazing light shows on Coney Island and Crystal Palace along with the famous Ferris Wheel, which will synchronise its 6,500 LED lights with Vivid Sydney’s city display. What’s more, the stars of showtime will be illuminated in black light costumes performing throughout the night!

When you’re feeling thirsty, take a step into the newly opened 18+ premium Wine Bar, Amphora, that exudes a relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking views and a wine list and menu to match. For the family, Luna Park offers award winning cuisines from Helter Skelter and Hungry Horse, delicious in-park outlets.

Dining and private event space:

Stunning waterfront venues available for private hire include the heritage-listed Crystal Ballroom, elegant Palais and intimate Sunset Room and more – all with unrivalled vistas of the cityscape, capturing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Amphora Wine Bar is available for private diners and small group bookings.

Guest numbers:

Palais 120 seated | 250 cocktail

Crystal Ballroom 300 seated | 600 cocktail

*Capacity subject to NSW Government guidelines for COVID-19.

Some additional notes about hosting a Vivid event at Luna Park Venues:

• Private events are individually curated and organised by the Venue’s premium catering and dedicated events team – ensuring a truly magical experience is had by all.
• Entry passes start from $34* and everyone needs a pass to enter Luna Park. Terms and conditions apply.

PRESTIGE HARBOUR CRUISES

Location:

Prestige Harbour Cruises will depart from multiple locations around Sydney, with ticketed cruises just walking distance from the many other Vivid attractions, public transport and parking

What elements of Vivid can you see/ experience?

Prestige Vivid Sydney sightseeing cruises offer a great crowd free way to experience the kaleidoscope of shimmering light displays from the multiple locations along the harbour foreshore; boats on the water, and from Sydney’s landmarks including: Opera house sails, Harbour Bridge, & Luna Park.

Guest numbers:

1 to 300 (multiple different-sized cruises available)

Some additional notes about hosting a Vivid event with Harbourside Cruises:

• Choose from a variety of Vivid sightseeing & dining cruise packages from group ticketed cruises to private boat charters. Starting from just $19 per person

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE – YALLAMUNDI ROOMS

Location:

What better place to fully immerse your guests in a Vivid experience than in the Sydney Opera House itself?!
Located at the rear of this epic venue, overlooking Sydney Harbour, is one of Sydney’s most impressive function venues – the Yallamundi Rooms.

What elements of Vivid can you see/ experience?

The approach to Sydney Opera House during Vivid is spectacular! And, from the dedicated function space, Yallamundi Rooms, you and your guests will be able to take in vistas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the MCA, Luna Park and the The Rocks.

There are also 31 Vivid music and idea performances planned at Sydney Opera House in 2021, so why not consider hosting a ticket + private function experience?

Private event space:

The Yallamundi Rooms are stylish private event spaces that are perfect for special events. Combined with their alfresco entertaining area, right on the Harbour’s edge, it’s definitely a venue to hire when you want to impress your guests and create memories.

Guest numbers:

Yallamundi Rooms 180 seated | 400 cocktail

*Capacity subject to NSW Government guidelines for COVID-19.

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To find out more about hosting an event during Vivid at any of the above venues, click on the links to their Event Birdie pages above and contact them directly for details and to check availability.

Other helpful links

• If you’re looking for a venue in Sydney with Sydney Harbour Views or venues located in Darling Harbour click the links to start searching.
• Sydney is not the only city with events that light up the place!Check out these other locations with major festivals:Enlighten Festival in Canberra (start searching Canberra venues)White Night in Geelong and Bendigo or Rising in MelbourneIlluminate in AdelaideCity of Lights in Perth

© Header image and image above @sahosri (via Unsplash)