Vigil asks people to come together to witness and participate in ceremony. The 2023 event will run for approximately 45 minutes and, unlike previous years, will not have infrastructure or services at Barangaroo Reserve for anyone wanting to stay after its conclusion.
Q. What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving between 7:30 – 8pm. The Vigil: Awaken Ceremony commences at 8:45pm (dusk) on 25 January and the official proceedings will finish at 9:10pm.
Q. Do I need to register?
No. This year The Vigil is free and unticketed.
Q. What is the seating arrangement?
This year, the Vigil will be an immersive audio and visual experience, looking out to the water and towards Me-Mel. The seating will be around the rocks of the Headland.
Seating is unreserved, so come early to get a good spot (we will fill audience from the front to back). You can bring your own picnic blankets, rugs, cushions or pillows to sit on the rocks but nothing too big, as people will likely be sitting behind, in front and beside you and need to see the ceremony too. Thank you for your understanding.
Q. Is there a recommended age for The Vigil?
All ages are welcome.
Q. Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed at The Vigil.
Q. What items are not allowed to be brought in?
In the interest of public safety, these items are not permitted at the event and will need to be surrendered on entry to the Reserve.
• Candles, fireworks or sparklers
• Tarps, tents or shade structures
• Chairs (folding or camping chairs)
• Barbecues or cooking equipment
• Tables
• Offensive weapons including large knives and laser pointers
• Alcohol or other illicit substances
• Glass
• Eskies and bags of abnormally large dimensions will not be permitted entry.
• Frisbees, bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, laser pens/pointers
Q. Can I buy food on site?
Yes, there will be a coffee and ice cream vendor on-site. There are also several restaurants and shops near Towns Place/Walsh Bay or at Barangaroo South.
Q. Can I put a shade tent up? What seating is provided?
No: shade tents, tents, and overhead structures are not permitted. There is no fixed seating, but you are welcome to bring blankets or pillows to sit on the rocks.
Q. What else should I bring?
Please bring warm clothing or a blanket with you to Barangaroo Reserve, as it may get cold after dusk.
Bring water and your own water bottle, which can be filled on site. Please note that dogs are not permitted at the event, except for however assistance animals.
Q. Is there free drinking water at the Reserve?
Yes, free drinking water will be available for you to refill portable water bottles.
Q. Is there first aid at the Reserve?
In case of an emergency, please see a member of security, or a staff member from Sydney Festival or Barangaroo.
Q. Are there toilets at the Reserve?
Yes, there are toilets located at the Towns Place entrance of Barangaroo Reserve, as well as in The Cutaway at Frida Kahlo.
Q. The event is close to the water? Can I swim?
There is no swimming at the event site or at Barangaroo Headland. There is a designated beach area for harbour swimming at the Towns Place entrance of the Barangaroo Reserve site, near the public toilets.
Q. What happens in the event of rain or extreme weather?
As this is an outdoor event, it is subject to weather conditions. Please check the website and Sydney Festival socials for updates.
Q. Can visitors with accessibility requirements visit Barangaroo Reserve?
Yes, Barangaroo strives to be accessible to all visitors of all ages, including those with additional mobility requirements. Please see the Accessibility section for detailed information on getting to Barangaroo Reserve. There will be an accessible seating area for patrons with wheelchairs to view the ceremony.
Q. Is there parking at or near the Reserve?
Wilson Parking operates a public car park with 300 spaces beneath Barangaroo Reserve. The car park operates between 6am–midnight, seven days a week. Enter the carpark at Towns Place and take the lift to Level G to The Cutaway and walk around to the Barangaroo Headland, where The Vigil takes place. There is also street parking and another Wilson Parking station on Hickson Road, called “Barangaroo Point Parking”.
Q. What if I’m catching a taxi, Uber or being dropped off or picked up?
There is no pick-up or drop-off zone at Barangaroo. The best location is near the Towns Place entrance of Barangaroo Reserve, which is a short walk to the event area.
Q. What are the public transport options to get there?
The best way to plan your travel is via the NSW Transport website.
Q. Where can we eat dinner before The Vigil?
You can bring your own food and drink to this event. There will also be a coffee and ice cream vendor on-site at Barangaroo Reserve. For something more substantial, book a table with our Festival Feasts partner Henry Deane within Hotel Palisade, and enjoy a $55 banquet only a short walk away.
Q. What happens to lost property?
Please see any volunteer, front of house or volunteer staff, who will communicate to other staff on the day. All lost property will be recorded and logged by Sydney Festival and the Venue. Please contact Sydney Festival on the Friday following the event.
Q. Any other questions?
If you have additional questions, please email us at mail@sydneyfestival.org.au
Q. How else can I watch the event?
The event will be live-streamed and also on-demand after the Ceremony.
All performances will have conditions of entry adhering to the relevant NSW Government Public Health Orders and health advice.
View the latest health advice here.
Auslan Performance