A brand new "internationally acclaimed" light show at Vivid has angered Sydneysiders, who have resulted in slamming the event as it steers away from a "free" family event.
Lightscape, a global sensation, premiered a Vivid and has been expected to draw in the crowds.
It features "glowing tree canopies filled with colour" as guests can walk under the 2.1KM spectacle.
Tourists and cash-rich Aussies who experienced the first three night raved about it, however some are calling the new entry prices "outrageous."
After 5PM, the garden is no longer open to the public, with Lightscape kicking off for ticket holders from 5:30PM.
Individual tickets start from $24 for a child, $34 for an adult, and a family of four could cost $128 depending on the what time they attend.
Tickets prices are higher between Wednesday and Sunday, then on Monday and Tuesday.
There is also a $4 per person surcharge for purchasing tickets at the on-site box office, with attendees encouraged to buy tickets online.
An adult ticket ranges between $34 and $44, depending on purchasing online or not, and during peak or off-peak.
Tickets are reportedly "selling fast" as feedback comes from the festival's website, however the new monetised event has left visitors disappointed.
“I couldn’t believe it! It used to be free to walk through that whole area; now they’re asking for – I think it was $40? The outrage."
“I really wanted to go see this but $40+ that’s robbery. It’s absurd. Maybe $10 I’d pay but over 40 you’re taking the p**s."
“$128 for a family of four is pretty expensive, especially at a time like this.”
“When everyone gets to Vivid this year, they charge $116 (for members and friends of the Botanic Gardens at the box office) to look at the lights and stuff, everyone’s so cranky."
“Vivid was supposed to be an event for everyone to enjoy and a chance to have families enjoy a night out that wouldn’t be so costly."
“I notice no price for concessions so if you’re old and on the pension you can’t afford it."
“$28 for a three-year-old, how?”
However, not all were as critical of the new pricing.
“I thought it was expensive too but paid anyway; it was 1000 per cent worth it."
“Inside [it was] quiet, beautiful, well done with bars, marshmallow roasting fire pits and mulled wine. 10/10.”
“I went last night and honestly for $40 to enjoy the vivid experience without the wall-to-wall crowds that were in Circular Quay was entirely worth it."
“It took us over an hour to go through the whole thing and felt like value for money to be honest.”
A spokesperson for the event has said Lightscape is a paid event, however “the vast majority of the festival has been, and continues to be, free for all to enjoy."
“In addition to the free 8.5 kilometre Vivid Light Walk stretching from the Sydney Opera House to Central Station, with 57 light installations and 3D projections, Vivid Sydney offers a number of free events, music gigs and talks across the Vivid Ideas, Music and Food Pillars."
“The 2023 Vivid Music line-up includes a free program of high profile First Nations and contemporary artists at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour and throughout The Goods Line. “Six Vivid Sydney Drone shows, featuring more than 1,000 drones, will take place at Sydney Cove to entertain thousands of visitors. In addition, much beloved Australian children’s acts kick off the free entertainment before the lights turn on, every Saturday from 5:00pm at Tumbalong Park.”
Vivid will be running until June 17th, featuring over 300 light, food, and music activations.
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