Overview
Western Sydney might soon be hosting its answer to Vivid. On 31 May, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced her intention to support a major new annual festival for the area, which would attract visitors and boost business during winter.
The details of the event are a work in progress, but the festival is expected to kick off next year. Among the ideas floated so far are laneway parties, night markets and music festivals. Over the next few months, the NSW Government will consult businesses, community groups and local government, before coming up with a solid concept.
"Whatever the final event, we want to make sure it takes full advantage of the riverways and parklands across Western Sydney by reinvigorating public spaces with art, music and food," said Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall. He hopes to draw visitors from all over Australia to Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown for the event.
"We want this Western Sydney event to replicate the success of Vivid, which has provided entertainment, at the same time as creating jobs and boosting the state's visitor economy," Berejiklian said.
In 2017, 2.33 million people attended Vivid and contributed $143 million to the NSW economy, according to Destination NSW.
We'll continue to update as more details about the festival are released.
Top image: Parramatta Lanes, George Gittany