Eastern suburbs locals to stage their own light spectacular following the cancellation of VIVID
Sydneysiders are dusting off their festive lights and gearing up for #DIYVivid – a homegrown version of the annual light spectacular and frankly we can’t wait.
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Vivid Sydney 2020 is cancelled. Much like everything fun right now because COVID-19 is here and that’s all there is to it. Group gatherings are banned and parties such as Vivid are completely out of the question. End of story.
But there’s no need we can’t stage our own celebrations, Vivid included, says Sydney comedian and Vivid festival diehard fan James Breko, who when this year’s Vivid Festival was Covid-cancelled, decided not feel down but to ‘get lit’ – literally.
James is staging Sydney’s first-ever isolation illumination which he has dubbed, #DIYLivid. The festival is Sydney’s very own light celebration which will official kick off in our very own homes at the stroke of 7pm May 22.
What does it involve exactly?
Well, that’s up to each and every one of us but James suggests you dust off your festive lights, backyard fairy strings or any coloured bulbs of any kind and let them burn brightly.
He’s hopeful doing so will bring the community together and show the world the lights are still on down under.
“Even though we are all dealing with the challenges of iso-life, we are still connected, and together we can shine through this tough time,” he says.
“The idea of busting out that box of fairy lights or making your own decorations at home, is something everyone can be part of, and the more people who join in, the more we can make the Sydney sparkle.”
Paddington residents are already stringing fairy lights along the wrought iron lace balcony railings and in Bondi, lights can be seen in apartment windows. So far, other suburbs are a little light on but we know you won’t let these two neighbourhoods hog all of the #DIYVIVID limelight.
If you’re planning to get involved let us know. We’d love to see your light creations and share them here or on our Facebook page.
In the meantime, if you’re not already getting prepared then we recommend you start.
The official Stay At Home rules and strict lines about social distancing continue to change but no matter where they stand come May 22, DIYVivid is an event we can, and really should, all get involved with.
“The beauty of #DIYVivid is there’s no need to travel to be part of the action,” says James.
“Get your street, your neighbours or your apartment block involved and connect together safely at home.”
The NSW Government announced the cancellation of Vivid Sydney 2020 following recommendations by the Federal Government and health authorities to limit non-essential organised gatherings to less than 500 people to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Minister Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres says that while the cancellation of the event is disappointing and another major setback for the tourism industry, it is the right thing to do to control the spread of infection and keep people safe.
“Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney,” says Mr Ayres.
Vivid Sydney, the largest Festival of Light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, was scheduled to run from 22 May – 13 June 2020.
Vivid Sydney debuted in 2009 and is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. In 2019 a record 2.4 million people attended Vivid Sydney, generating $172 million for the NSW economy.
James’ version #DIYVivid is not quite as big, nor as structured, but it promises to be an enormous amount of fun all the same.
Learn more about the event here