Vivid Festival cancelled, Anzac marches hit by coronavirus crisis

Sydney’s Vivid Festival is cancelled and major Anzac marches around the country and at Gallipoli are set to be replaced with minor services to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

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Sydney’s world-renowned light festival Vivid will be switched off this year, while we may also have to ­commemorate Anzac Day “at home” as the RSL moves to keep Diggers safe.

The state government has pulled the plug on Vivid after Prime Minister Scott Morrison formally advised against “non-essential” gatherings of more than 500 people. NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the decision to cancel Vivid, scheduled to run from May 22 to June 13 “was not taken lightly” — but was the right thing to do to keep people safe.

A final ruling on Anzac Day services and marches is yet to be made but changes to the major events will be discussed at meetings between the RSL and the NSW government tomorrow.

It is understood large marches are most likely to replaced by smaller ceremonies only broadcast on TV.

Sydney’s Vivid Festival is cancelled due to fears for the spread of COVID-19. Picture: Damian Shaw

A government source said: “People should prepare to commemorate Anzac Day at home.”

RSL NSW chief executive officer Jon Black said events were “unlikely to proceed” given the older membership was the most at-risk group for coronavirus.

“We always err on the side of caution,” Mr Black said.

“We’re very conscious of the membership and we don’t want to put anyone in harm’s way while we’ve got this dreadful risk in community health.”

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Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester said last night while it was too soon to declare a final position the 500 limit to public events would come into play on Anzac Day.

Anzac Day marches will also be affected. Picture: Liam Driver

An Australian War Memorial spokesman said plans for its April 25 commemoration in Canberra was also under review.

“How the ceremony will play out on the day is yet to be finalised but we are assessing the format,” he said.

Late on Saturday, federal government sources said the services at Gallipoli in Turkey and Villers-Bretonneux in France, as well as smaller services at sites in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Thailand will also be cancelled.

Pubs and clubs across NSW, often packed with patrons on Anzac Day playing two-up, will take direction from government and follow recommendations.

Australian Hotels Association NSW director of liquor and policing John Green said: “With Anzac Day still more than a month away, at this stage it is too early to speculate.” Meanwhile, the cancellation of Vivid, the largest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is a huge blow to the state’s bottom line.

Last year 2.4 million people marvelled at the light displays, generating $172 million for NSW. Mr Ayres said the decision was made early “in consideration of those planning to travel to Sydney for the festival, artists and volunteers so as to minimise the disruption”.

Originally published as Vivid Festival cancelled, Anzac marches hit by coronavirus crisis