Vivid's festival of lights has returned to Sydney, illuminating the Opera House in a burst of colour after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands flocked to see the city transformed with light installations and powerful performances, including a historic celebration of Indigenous culture.
For the first time, the festival began with a Welcome to Country ceremony, including a performance by more than 50 dancers from the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association.
Performers on opening night also included The Voice's Prinnie Stevens and Zambia-born Sampa The Great.
Nearly a dozen locations across the city have been transformed with lights and music, including Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Barangaroo, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour.
For the first time, Central Station and the Goods Line have been included in the show, meaning a continuous light walk of eight kilometres.
NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the 23-day event will attract millions of visitors as the city continues its recovery from the pandemic.
"Vivid Sydney draws millions of visitors to the city in May and June and is such an important driver for the NSW tourism economy," Mr Ayres said.
"It's been a long wait since the lights went out on Vivid Sydney 2019 and this year's program is bigger, brighter and bolder, with over 200 events for visitors to enjoy."
Vivid is touted as the largest festival of light in the southern hemisphere and the largest event in Australia.
The popular festival will run for 23 days and nights across Sydney city centre and surrounds, until June 18.
Australian Associated Press
