‘House of Cards’ producer joins Margaret Zhang, Bon Iver at Vivid Sydney 2016

Going strong into its eighth year, one of the world’s largest winter events, Vivid Sydney, is back from May 27-June 13 this year, and it’s set to be bigger than ever.

The annual festival, which mixes ideas, music and lights, continues to grow as it ages, attracting 1.7 million visitors to the city in 2015. Not a surprising figure, considering the event offers visitors access to stunning light installations all over Sydney city, famous world-class music performances, conferences, and creative industry collaborative workshops and programs.

Managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the bulk of Vivid Sydney’s events is also free-of-charge.

Here are a few Vivid attractions you should keep your eye out for this year:

LIGHTS

Between May 27-June 13, unique light projections will come on every night from 6pm at several locations in Sydney, such as Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, The Rocks, Central Park, Martin Place, Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Taronga Zoo’s exquisite ‘Be the Light for the Wild’ will be one of 2016’s major exhibitions, showcasing animal light sculptures and lanterns on an illuminated trail. While enjoying the displays, attendees will also be able to admire the zoo’s serene skyline and harbour views.

The event will have a big focus on the critical species that the zoo is aiming to protect, such as Corroboree frogs and the Asian elephant. The trail will include sound effects and interactive lighting and moving parts. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are expected to attract the largest crowds.

IDEAS

Vivid Sydney sets itself apart from other public exhibitions by being more than just an annual outdoors lighting festival. Vivid Talks, which features well-known speakers from all around the globe, is also a huge part of the program. This year will see Beau Willimon, US screenwriter and producer of critically acclaimed Netflix series “House of Cards” (starring Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood), take the stage as part of the ‘Game Changers Talk Series’.

The acclaimed producer will provide his insights and approach to creating successful content.

Joining Willimon at the Game Changers Talk Series is Sydney stylist, photographer and creative director Margaret Zhang. Both will speak on May 28 at Sydney Town Hall, George Street. Early bird tickets start from $25 and can be purchased at the official Vivid Sydney website.

MUSIC

The annual festival’s ever expanding line-up features multi-genre music from artists around the world. One of this year’s featured international acts is Grammy Award-winning artist Bon Iver, who will hold his Sydney-only show ‘Bon Iver presents Cercle' from May 27-30 at the Concert Hall in the Sydney Opera House. Tickets start from $89 and can be purchased at the official Vivid Sydney website.

Meanwhile, Perth producer Ta-ku, well known for his album “Songs To Break Up to”, will join Brisbane artist Wafia for his Australian solo debut on June 3 at the Concert Hall in the Sydney Opera House. Tickets start at $39.

For the full Vivid Sydney 2016 schedule, please visit http://www.vividsydney.com/.