'Waste of time': Aussies have the same question about Sydney’s Vivid

Social media has lit up brighter than the festival itself, thanks to visitors all asking the same thing about the 'must-see' harbour event. 

It's the "unmissable" event that sees the harbour city "awakened in colour", has people flocking from around the globe to catch a glimpse of the fireworks and light shows spread across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and other landmarks in the city.  

But this year's dream-themed Vivid festival has been anything but something creative to brag about, according to many visitors. 

Compared to previous years, the 15th year of the much-loved event, is said to lack that wow-factor, with some claiming it is "boring", "overrated",  and a complete "waste of time."

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Vivid in 2025 isn't getting the same response as previous years. Images: TikTok

What's going on with Vivid this year? 

TikTok lit up with disappointing visitor reviews after one person shared a lacklustre video of some of the scenes, claiming that "Vivid fell off" this year.

Another brief clip shows a bunch of tourists standing along Sydney Harbour, catching a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge. But the lights on offer did little to impress. 

"Us flying across countries and finally seeing Vivid Sydney for the first time," they mocked, as the video shows them standing before quickly turning around to leave. 

Vivid 2025 was confirmed to have some changes, with some attractions removed to make the event cheaper, safer, and more affordable for families. But what has been left has not even been worth battling the crowd, according to many. 

One person declared it is "the worst Vivid yet" and another said "Every year it gets worse than previous years."

And they weren't alone. Many people said it was obvious that things were missing compared to years before it. 

"Walked three hours and saw about two things,” someone said about the once-busy walk across to the Opera House. 

“It’s just a video projection show now. It’s no longer a light show. I remember 10 years ago when the buildings and Opera House were lit up with colours,” another agreed. 

Even the tourists were puzzled about why Aussies have been raving about the event, claiming it really isn't anything special. 

“Good to know this isn’t normal. As a tourist, I was like, is this it? This is a festival?" 

“It feels like they got rid of everything,” another added. 

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The question on everyone's lips

The Vivid festival runs from Friday, 23 May to Saturday 14 June and while it launched with a spectacular fireworks show that attracted families and young children, there are no further plans for a firework display - which is news to many families keen to attend. 

"My daughter and I come here as tourists and wait tonight for fireworks, 25th May, but none. She said, Sydney is a scammer," one visitor wrote on Facebook. 

"Very disappointed, nothing like what the pictures shows," another chimed in. 

And another claimed it was far from worth the effort. 

"Waste of time. No fireworks even 20:07 already. Why do you need to advertise like 8pm Fireworks?" they queried. 

Speaking to Kidspot, a Vivid spokesperson confirmed that apart from on opening night, there are no fireworks planned. 

“Fireworks are not a core feature of Vivid Sydney and have not historically been included in the festival’s regular programming. In 2025, there was a small-scale pyrotechnic element on opening night, but no other fireworks displays are scheduled by Destination NSW for the duration of Vivid Sydney," they said. 

“Fireworks occurring during Vivid Sydney are independently operated by Captain Cook Cruises and the Australian Commercial Marine Group."

As a result, the fireworks are tricky to spot on the shoreline to encourage people to book a cruise for a more exciting experience on the harbour. 

"Not viewable from land or at least not well. Being put on by the cruise operator association so need to jump onboard a Vivid cruise company like Captain Cook Cruises," someone claimed. 

While Vivid organisers have been forced to confirm that they have no set schedule for fireworks, ads for Captain Cook Cruises have been thrust into people's algorithms, causing further confusion. 

"Vivid Sydney 2025 just got brighter, with bonus fireworks shows only visible from the Harbour! Thanks to Captain Cook Cruises and the Australian Commercial Marine Group, you'll have front-row seats to an exclusive on-water fireworks show," one ad boasted. 

Captain Cook Cruises are selling tickets for firework nights. Image: Facebook

No more drone show

The fireworks visible from the shore aren't the only things missing this year.

The much-loved and uber-impressive drone show from last year has been removed from the festival as has the Lightscape event held at Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens. 

Both were met with a tad of controversy last year, with the drone show making it practically impossible to walk around Circular Quay with the insane crowds and Lightscape, marketed as one of the most "family-friendly" events, came with inflated prices for entry and food. 

According to the Vivid spokesperson, the drone show was removed due to safety concerns. 

“Vivid Sydney made the difficult decision not to include drone shows in this year’s Vivid Sydney program. NSW Police and Transport for NSW have advised that the drone shows cannot be staged safely as per last year’s format," they confirmed to Kidspot. 

“The changes required to mitigate the safety risk at Vivid Sydney 2025 created a significant increase in cost. In the broader context of rising costs for staging events, Destination NSW has decided this is not the best allocation of resources.”

Still, both the drone show and Lightscape have been missed this year. 

"I really liked the Lightscape event. I felt like that was the only place I could take my kids to see Vivid without the massive crowds," one mum told Kidspot.

"Sure it was a bit pricey, but it was worth it from a safety point of view and they did do a great job. What a shame that there's nothing to replace it this year."

What's with the eye? Image: TikTok

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What's on at Vivid

Despite the reactions online, event organisers insist Vivid is still a must-see event, with the festival comprising of over 200 events spread across five unique zones around Sydney's CBD. 

"All designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light," the press release for the event reads. 

Taking on feedback from previous years where many claimed the event was too expensive, over 75 per cent of this year's program is free - including the entire Vivid Light Walk. 

NSW Premier, Chris Minns, said the event is still an "unmissable" one for tourists and locals and encouraged us to get out and enjoy the annual event. 

“Vivid Sydney is our city’s living legacy and the world’s focus will once again be on our beautiful Harbour City as it’s transformed into a canvas of innovative light installations, immersive experiences and cutting-edge artistry," he said. 

“The tireless efforts from the many talented artists, technicians, event organisers and behind-the-scenes support crew to bring this year’s Vivid Sydney to life has been extraordinary. I congratulate all of those who have contributed to shaping this year’s event into what will be an unmissable Sydney experience.” 

Kidspot reached out to Vivid Sydney for comment. 

Originally published as 'Waste of time': Aussies have the same question about Sydney’s Vivid