Top 5 Picks: Sydney Festival 2018

If you didn’t already love Sydney in January, you will now.

Thanks to the 2018 edition of Sydney Festival, your cultural New Year’s resolutions will be off to a cracking start. With an impressive line-up consisting of everything from ballet and burlesque to art installations, live music and a virtual reality ghost train – it’s safe to say your January calendar will be jam packed with enriching, enlightening and entertaining goodness.

We know it’s only November, but we can’t contain our excitement. With tickets already on sale, here are our top five picks of what to see at next year’s Sydney Festival:

Tree of Codes

Set to be the highlight of the festival, this incredible contemporary ballet is the co-creation of three world-renowned artists; pioneering British choreographer Wayne McGregor, visual artist Olafur Eliasson and music sensation Jamie xx. With only four shows planned for Sydney, this is the ticket to get your hands on.

Symphony Under The Stars

Worried you’ll splurge a little too much over silly season? No stress. There will be 47 free events during the festival – yes, free! One of those is the beloved Symphony Under The Stars set in the idyllic surrounds of Parramatta Park. Pack a picnic and enjoy the ultimate Sydney summer evening of beautiful tunes and good company, without breaking the bank.

AquaSonic

The world’s first underwater band. Yes, you read that right. Five musicians submerged in aquariums will be coming to Sydney all the way from Denmark and we couldn’t be more excited and intrigued.

Village Sideshow

For the time poor Sydneysiders, Hyde Park’s Village Sideshow will be the place to be after a busy day in the office. Enjoy a 10-minute dance party in a converted shipping container, jump on the Karaoke Carousel and belt out your favourite track or brave the VR-enhanced Ghost Train.

Riot

This acclaimed alt-cabaret variety show from Ireland is a brilliant blend of all things dance, drag and comedy with a dash of politics. Famed drag queen and marriage equality activist Panti Bliss will lead the all-star cast and deliver a powerful message of love and inclusion.

words by jessica coughlan.