It's not 'lights out' for Sydney's Vivid festival, but organisers have been forced to delay the harbour city's popular event due to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.
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The "light, music and ideas" festival, billed as the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is usually staged in May and June.
It had already been delayed in 2021 and on Wednesday was pushed back by more than a month to September 17 to October 9.
"The recent outbreak has presented a new challenge for everyone, and the health and safety of our citizens and entire event community involved in Vivid Sydney is our foremost concern," NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said.
"Destination NSW will continue to work with NSW Health and other agencies to deliver a COVID-safe Vivid Sydney later this year.
"Vivid Sydney will only proceed if it is safe to do so."
The revised program will be shared online in coming weeks. It is understood that ticket-holders may transfer their ticket to the new event date or request a refund via the relevant ticket agent.
Organisers describe Vivid as "a celebration of creativity, innovation and technology".
The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID. Vivid is in its 12th year.
Australian Associated Press
