Vivid Sydney 2021 has been cancelled, meaning we’ll have to wait until May-June 2022 for the return of Sydney’s premier festival of light, music and ideas.
Vivid was set to return from 6th-28th August 2021, but on 14th July, organisers pushed it back to 17th September-9th October. However, given Sydney’s ongoing difficulties taming the Delta outbreak, the NSW Government has pulled the pin on Vivid Sydney 2021.
The music programming for the now abandoned festival included Sampa the Great, Hiatus Kaiyote, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Miiesha, Connan Mockasin and loads more. Organisers have confirmed dates for 2022 festival, which is set to take place from Friday, 27th May to Saturday, 18th June 2022.
“Vivid Sydney 2022 will shine brighter than ever,” the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said in a statement. “Our artists and creative industries are so eager to put on a show and we can’t wait to see the Harbour City shining brightly again.”
Ayres attempted to strike an optimistic tone, saying that “the return of major events like Vivid Sydney” gives us all something to look forward to. Though, for many in the music and live events industry, the cancellation will feel like yet another monumental setback.
Planning is now underway for next year’s event, however, and expressions of interest for Vivid Sydney 2022 Light, Music and Ideas programs will open next week.
