Following the success of Vivid Sydney over the past decade, Western Sydney is set to get its own unique cultural festival starting next year.
“Having successfully grown Vivid Sydney from very humble origins to what it is today I am confident we will be able to create a world class event for Western Sydney,” says NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“There are a number of ideas under active consideration ranging from laneway festivals, night markets and music festivals.
“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.”
Tourism and major events minister Adam Marshall said the NSW Government will create the event in consultation with Western Sydney business, community groups and local government.
“This event will need to be unique to Western Sydney, appeal to all ages and attract visitors at an historically quiet time for local hotels, restaurants and businesses,” Mr Marshall said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We want it to draw visitors from across Sydney, NSW and Australia to the suburbs of Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown.[/social_quote]
“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.”
The new event will deliver a key recommendation from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Visitor Economy Strategy, which aims to grow the overnight visitor economy through nine strategic directions.
A region-wide event opens up the opportunity to tap the potential of the Western Sydney region, while showcasing the unique identities of each of its cities, was the response from Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils.
“It could be a wonderful platform to promote Western Sydney’s thriving creative industries, its natural landscapes, and its unparalleled connection to world culture and cuisine,’’ WSROC said in a statement this afternoon.
