Bradfield Oration: Cars ditched on Cahill Expressway for big-name concerts

It’s one of Sydney’s busiest roads but people will replace cars on the four-lane Cahill Expressway for six days from January 1.

It’s one of Sydney’s busiest roads but the Cahill Expressway will transform into a world-class stage on January 1 for six days of music and entertainment featuring some of the country’s best acts.

People will replace cars on the four-lane expressway for the Elevate Sydney festival, part of an ambitious strategy to revitalise Sydney’s CBD and tourism sector.

The pop-up party hub, modelled on New York’s High Line, will feature pop-up food and bar venues and performances from Aussie artists ­including Tones and I, Tim Minchin, Baker Boy, Electric Fields, Marcia Hines and The Wiggles.

People will replace cars on the four-lane expressway for the Elevate Sydney festival.

The all-ages event will also feature the biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere.

Specialists from Finland, Germany and the US have travelled to Australia to train local operators in the technology for the show, which will featuring 500 drones over Sydney Cove.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the event would help revive the spirit of our city.

The Wiggles will be appearing.

Electric Fields dance pop duo Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding.

“The day after the fireworks, this event will begin the new year with a celebration of what makes our city great,” Mr Perrottet said “Nowhere else could you hold this kind of event, nowhere has our harbour, our setting or our weather – this is part of our ongoing vision for taking our city from good to great.”

Appearing... Tones and I.

The road sits atop Circular Quay station and boasts uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the festival would help showcase our assets to the world.

“This is a very special and exciting event which will not only elevate Sydney and NSW to a global audience but elevate our homegrown talent, economy and community spirit,” Mr Ayres said.