Vivid lights up Sydney from May 24 to June 15

The temperature has dropped and the days are shorter, which means one thing in Sydney — it’s time for Vivid, our winter spectacle of lights, music, ideas and food.

The temperature has dropped and the days are shorter which means one thing in Sydney — it’s time for Vivid.

The city’s winter spectacle of lights, music, ideas and food will officially open Friday night when the switch is flicked on the Opera House sails.

The iconic building will feature an animated series of works by Archibald Prize- winning artist Julia Gutman, who won the 2023 portrait prize for her depiction of musician Montaigne.

The work, called Echo, is based on the classical tale by Roman poet Ovid’s myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.

“My first ever animation, Echo is a digital translation of patchworks I’ve made to date alongside a suite of imagery created specifically from the work,” Julia Gutman said.

Artist Julia Gutman’s work Echo will light up the Opera House sails tonight to launch Vivid, running until June 15. Picture: Supplied

Jackson and Lana Newton-Plater, aged 12 and 8, check out the Vivid Ribbon Tunnel display at Sydney’ Royal Botanic Garden. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Lana and Jackson with giant illuminated tulips at the Garden. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The lights will go on at 6pm and every night until June 15.

While the installations, which will run along a light walk stretching from the Royal Botanical Gardens to the Goods Line near Central station, are the most famous element of festival, there is also a huge program of music, ideas and food.

One of the new events is called Techno Train. Three trips a night will take ticket holders from Central Station on a journey of light and sound either over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Lavender Bay or on a pulsating journey around the City Circle and the south.

Visitors should take public transport due to the crowds and road closures.

Last year nearly 3.5 million attended the festival.

Find out more at vividsydney.com.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]