In Sydney this year, the festival offers an array of live music, theatre shows, and art across more than 50 venues in the city. With the festival running until January 28, from Parramatta to Bondi Beach, you can bask in the summer vibe to your heart’s content.
The festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, featuring performances by a traditional Maori choir and a femme cabaret group, Smashed: The Nightcap at the waterfront. The Thirsty Mile, the festival’s new after-hours precinct and hub at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, also promises exciting activities, including a pop-up speakeasy and other attractions.
A standout installation at the festival is a 15-metre inflatable octopus at Barrangaroo, inspired by the Maori myth of Te Wheke. This giant octopus, created by Auckland-based artist Lisa Reihana, aims to draw people to the harbourside and share the lesser-known story of our region.
“This is just trying to bring forth those other pre-histories to people’s attention,” said Reihana. The festival not only attracts local audiences but also visitors from around the world. Annette Pitman, the chief executive of government agency Create NSW, said, “Sydney Festival makes January the best time to live in or visit the Harbour City.”
The festival has a jam-packed schedule with over 130 events, including 25 world premieres, 45 international acts, 29 Australian exclusives, and 43 free events. The goal of the event is to promote meaningful pathways to reconciliation. Olivia Ansell, the Sydney Festival director, emphasised the importance of including a diverse range of intercultural and intergenerational stories.
The festival is funded by the NSW government and City of Sydney, and is also supported by ticket sales, catering, and private sponsorship. With a tantalising array of events to experience, January is the best time to immerse yourself in the artistic and cultural vibrancy of Sydney. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this festival is not to be missed. Get ready for an exhilarating summer of art in the Harbour City! Get ready to be spellbound.
