Latest news with #VividSydney
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Martha Stewart enjoys a 'tryst' with hunky mystery man in Sydney mansion - but all is not what it seems
Celebrity chef Martha Stewart has emerged in a new video filmed in a Sydney mansion. The 83-year-old, who recently presented a talk at the Vivid Sydney Festival, can be seen keeping company with a 'mystery man' in the clip, in which the pair appeared to be dressed in matching satin bathrobes. At one point in the short clip, Martha was gazing lovingly as the man strides away from her, with part of his bare chest showing. However, it appears that the clip, shared to News on Tuesday, is actually part of an ad campaign featuring Stewart, who rose to fame in the 1980s behind a series of cookbooks and lifestyle brands and products. According to the report, Martha and her unnamed cast member filmed scenes for the ad at the Crypto Castle, a luxury coastal clifftop pad in Coogee, which is often used for commercial shoots. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It comes after reports indicated that Stewart didn't have the best experience at Sydney's Vivid Festival back in May. The lifestyle guru was Down Under to present a talk titled In Conversation with Martha Stewart as part of the event. And according to insiders, the cooking and homewares entrepreneur was not impressed with the ICC theatre, which has hosted stars such as Elton John and Cher. Sources reported to Confidential that Martha was unhappy that she had to use a hand-held microphone throughout her 90-minute talk. However, Confidential's insiders told the publication that it was required because Martha had refused to use a headset for fear of messing up her hairdo. Martha Stewart didn't have the best experience at Sydney's Vivid Festival last month, according to reports. Pictured at Vivid She also rejected the option of using a lapel mic, reportedly because she was concerned it might damage her jacket. The publication also reported that Stewart disapproved of the vehicle that had been arranged for her because the window tinting was not dark enough. Stewart also shared a gripe about Sydney Airport, with the entrepreneur complaining that the terminal was 'too big' and that she had to walk 'too far'. Stewart did find something to her liking during her trip. The culinary guru dined at Totti's, a mecca for local and international celebrities, reportedly after a friend's recommendation. The Merivale-owned restaurant, known for its famous bread and small plates, as well as its signature rich pasta dishes, is beloved by the city's in-crowd. We asked around about what America's kitchen queen thought of her dining experience and found a diner who overheard Martha's musings. 'She was impressed. She had a great time and ate everything,' they said, adding that she 'was really lovely', 'super friendly' and asked the staff 'lots of questions'. The cookbook author 'enjoyed a large selection of antipasti' accompanied by the signature wood-fired bread, but our spy didn't stay long enough to see if she sampled any of the mains. She had 'San Pellegrino sparkling water', said our source, and 'seemed very interested in the produce, asking the waiters lots of questions.' Totti's made a name for itself as the place to be among Sydney's elites after it first opened its doors at The Royal Bondi in December 2018. Totti's interior was inspired by an Italian taverna, featuring old timber chairs, pared-back walls and huge olive trees filling out the lavish courtyard.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Flavours, lights & culture — Why Vivid is the perfect time to visit Sydney
While the world heads to Europe for summer break, we decided to give Sydney, Australia a try during this summers. And we were in for one of the best vacations. It's not every day you find yourself halfway across the world and feel instantly at home — but that's exactly what happened on this recent trip to Sydney. We've always heard stories about Australia's magnetic blend of nature, culture, and culinary brilliance, but being there in person during Vivid Sydney was experiencing all of this firsthand. Why visit now? For one, it's winter down under — which means cool, comfortable weather. Second, fewer crowds. You're not jostling for food and drinks, paying through your nose for stay and travel. Sydney was just the perfect setting for long walks, long lunches, and slow sips of great wine or coffee. Australia, at this time of the year, is in that sweet travel spot — calm yet buzzing, inviting yet laidback. Read more: 7 stunning South Indian temples that are also a UNESCO site My journey began with an Aboriginal cultural tour by Dreamtime Southern X. It was a grounding and powerful introduction to the First Nations people, the history and culture and a reminder of the deep stories that shape this land. From there, it was time to explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, understand what led to the making of one of the most iconic landmarks and how it has remained a place to enjoy best of music performances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spacious 4 BHK Homes starting @ ₹5.25 Cr* on Dwarka E-Way Emaar India Get Quote Undo This was followed by a native ingredient-focused lunch at Midden by Mark Olive, a restaurant that celebrates Indigenous Australian flavours in the most elegant way. One of my favourite discoveries was The Rocks precinct and its creative new space, The Collective. I dined at The Diner, had cocktails inspired by fabrics at The Tailor Room (yes, the drinks matched textures like silk and linen!), and felt so charmed, returned for breakfasted there at The Garden. Each corner had its own personality — thoughtful, quirky, and welcoming. Vivid Sydney lit up the city — not just with lights but with a cultural charge that flowed through galleries, streets, and kitchens. To get know the contemporary art scene in Australia, head to Museum of Contemporary Arts Australia. After admiring various displays at the museum, we had a breathtaking lunch at Canvas there. Read more: US Embassy warns of visa consequences after shoplifting incident involving Indian woman If you're looking for a whole new perspective of Sydney, try BridgeClimb. Every step that takes your atop the iconic Harbour Bridge is full if stories on how the city and this icon came up. One at the top, you'd be greeted with unmatched views. Take a moment to soak it all in. Evenings were for the Fire Kitchens at Darling Harbour, where smoke, fire, beats, and brilliant bites came together. A highlight? Meeting Kabir Singh of Pocket Rocketz — yes, the man behind the viral Butter Chicken Jaffle. Singh is a chef who lost his job during the Covid pandemic and decided to start something of his own. He fused best of India and Australia and came up with this creation that became a sensation. Of course, no visit to Sydney is complete without deep dives into coffee and bakeries. Coffee Cupping experience at The Grounds Coffee Factory is a good way to understand how serious is the city about its coffee. We sipped award-winning blends at Toby's Estate, and devoured that viral Watermelon Cake by Black Star Pastry and had croissants at Lune Croissant that deserves every bit of its hype. For families, Hay St Market is a new food precinct where family-style dining meets buzzing energy. Harris Park is the Little India of Sydney. If you're craving home flavours, that's the area to explore. I satiated my cravings at Adyar Ananda Bhawan. Other favourites? A relaxed, flavoursome meal at Three Blue Ducks. A refined gin tasting at Archie Rose Distillery. Rounded off this memorable trip with a final dinner at Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Sydney overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This was a perfect time to sit back and soak in all the memorable experiences of last few days. I missed Maybe Sammy and Don't Tell Aunty this time — but that just means I have reasons to return. I came for the lights, but left deeply moved by the food, people, and soul of the city. If you're planning a trip, Vivid is truly the time to experience Sydney at its most magical.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Seeing Sydney in a 'new light'
Every May since 2009, the Australian city of Sydney in New South Wales will go all out to stage a city-level party. Vivid Sydney is a light and sound extravaganza which has evolved over the years to become one of the most important events in Australia, as well as an icon of the country's creative culture. It's embarrassing to say that despite my many trips to the city, I have customarily given Vivid Sydney a miss. Nevertheless, I am aware of what the event entails. Vivid Sydney blends light-and-sound art with low-carbon technology, used to create a globally impactful art festival. Today, this festival is a full-scale global level that woos over 3.28 million visitors each year, bringing in an astounding AU$268mil (RM738.5mil) in tourist revenue. And the numbers break new thresholds every year. The 'main stage' of Vivid Sydney actually comprises the city's most iconic landmarks – the Sydney Opera House, the riverside high-rise towers and the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge – transformed into glittering, dream-like neon monuments by blinding lights. Vivid Sydney is indeed a festive celebration everyone must make an effort to attend at least once in their lifetime, on par in scale and grandeur with the Brazilian Carnival (or Carnaval), or Japan's Gion Matsuri. I can't help but think about Rovaniemi, a tiny Finnish town of only 50,000 residents known for its Santa Claus village that draws close to five million visitors annually. The magic of tourism nevertheless does not lie with sheer numbers but the creativity and unique cultural vibe, and Vivid Sydney is an exemplary instance of such a magical appeal. It is more than just a short-lived light-and-sound show, but a tinder that creatively lights up the economy, empowers its youth, and bridges the world. The 15th Vivid Sydney was held over four weekends recently, and I knew I wasn't going to give it a miss this time around. Together with 12 travel buddies, we flew into Sydney, sat in the private balcony of The Quay – one of Australia's top three restaurants – and enjoyed an exquisite omakase dinner prepared by an 18-Hat chef (Australia's equivalent of a Michelin star). We gazed into the breathtaking spectacular show lighting up Sydney's night sky while savouring our delightful meal. According to the state tourism agency Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney can be divided into these four broad categories: The General Post Office and clock tower, built in 1866, is officially listed as a cultural heritage site. It is also a major space for Vivid Sydney. 1. Vivid Light The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rock, Darling Harbour and other city landmarks are transformed into massive light monuments, creating a visual impact integrating the best in art and technology. 2. Vivid Music Featuring local and international artists encompassing a variety of musical styles such as techno, jazz and independent bands. Imagine yourself bumping into an unexpected live show on the street. 3. Vivid Ideas There are over a hundred forums, talks, and creative workshops held throughout the festival, anchored by designers, tech leaders and social innovators. 4. Vivid Food This is a festival favourite and continues to grow in excellence. It celebrates the state's vibrant culinary culture and world-renowned produce. The Sydney Opera House is well-known all over the world, and since 2009, has been a major site for Vivid Sydney. Vivid Sydney is held in the southern hemisphere's cool early winter, a peak season for outdoor markets and trade shows that coincides with the local fishery and agricultural harvest season. This is absolutely the perfect time to visit Sydney, in my opinion. I always believe that the success of a creative tourism project should not stop at just triggering 'first visits', but also galvanising 'repeated visits'. For example, Formula One racing, the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival in China, and other events that perfectly blend culture, climate and green tourism. Where this is concerned, I feel that our 'Visit Malaysia' organisers and stakeholder should perhaps learn something in order to create that wow factor. Even though I missed last year's Vivid Sydney, I did watch a clip of a black-and-white projection paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth on the exterior wall of the Opera House. I remember it was solemn and heart-moving as the night fell. This year's event featured generous quantities of Indigenous artworks and local creations. They relate the stories of this v ast land Down Under through captivating visuals, sound and light display. Creative tourism is not about gaudy display of technology but serves as an extension of the locality's culture and revival of local memories. Our trip was not just about being at the festival and snapping photos or capturing videos. It gave us an interesting experience that penetrated deep into Sydney's urban fabric. When the night fell, Vivid Sydney not only had the city's buildings brightly lit up, but the passion and imagination of its participants as well. The laughter, melodies, good food, the entire city was brought back to life instantly. Vivid Sydney painted the city's unique creative proclamation with dazzling light against the backdrop of the night sky. The success of Vivid Sydney stakes the claim that the festival is not just a tourism marketing gimmick but an expression of the city's culture, driving the local economy and deepening the city's sense of identity. Vivid Sydney has surely placed the city on the world map of creativity. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own. Leesan, the globe-trotting traveller who has visited seven continents and 149 countries, enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored six books.
Korea Herald
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Vivid Sydney calls for creatives as 2026 dates confirmed
SYDNEY, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's largest multi-artform festival, is calling on visionary artists, performers and thinkers from across the globe to help shape its 2026 program. Preliminary estimates for Vivid Sydney 2025, suggest the event pushed total visitation since the festival's inception in 2009 beyond 25 million people, with more than $1.3 billion generated in visitor expenditure over its lifetime. Returning from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will once again transform the Harbour City across the pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food—inviting audiences to immerse themselves in cutting-edge creativity and bold storytelling. The New South Wales (NSW) Government, through Destination NSW, is now seeking ideas from creators, producers, thought leaders and innovators to help bring the 2026 festival to life. NSW Government Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Mr Steve Kamper said: "The overwhelming response to Vivid Sydney 2025 sends a clear message that this festival remains a powerful driver of creativity, culture and economic impact. "Vivid Sydney doesn't just light up our streets – it solidifies Sydney's standing as a leading global cultural capital and a must-experience destination in the Asia-Pacific. "We're now calling on the next wave of creatives to help shape Vivid Sydney 2026. Whether you're an artist, designer, performer, producer or chef, this is your opportunity to be part of something extraordinary and share your vision." Returning as Major Partners for Vivid Sydney 2025 were Samsung Electronics Australia and Kia. Samsung activated on both land and water in Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour with Space to Dream, which explored the boundless potential of creativity inspired by Galaxy AI. Kia displayed its new and highly anticipated EV3 electric vehicle along the Vivid Light Walk. Official Partners included Estée Lauder, returning for its second year, with their installation: While You Were Dreaming —a radiant fusion of science, beauty and imagination, along with Ausgrid, who powered Vivid Sydney's Tumbalong Nights program. Airbnb was once again Vivid Sydney's Community Partner, supporting the volunteer program, while the festival's Charity Partner for 2025 Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation brought Dream Scene to Darling Harbour –a digital canvas where children's dreams come alive in an evolving dreamscape. Vivid Sydney Supporting Partners Dexus, Event Engineering, Kennards Hire, Mandylights, Nova, Port Authority of NSW, SBS, Stan, The P.A. People, TDC, and Transdev.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vivid Sydney calls for creatives as 2026 dates confirmed
SYDNEY, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere's largest multi-artform festival, is calling on visionary artists, performers and thinkers from across the globe to help shape its 2026 program. Preliminary estimates for Vivid Sydney 2025, suggest the event pushed total visitation since the festival's inception in 2009 beyond 25 million people, with more than $1.3 billion generated in visitor expenditure over its lifetime. Returning from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will once again transform the Harbour City across the pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food—inviting audiences to immerse themselves in cutting-edge creativity and bold storytelling. The New South Wales (NSW) Government, through Destination NSW, is now seeking ideas from creators, producers, thought leaders and innovators to help bring the 2026 festival to life. NSW Government Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Mr Steve Kamper said: "The overwhelming response to Vivid Sydney 2025 sends a clear message that this festival remains a powerful driver of creativity, culture and economic impact. "Vivid Sydney doesn't just light up our streets – it solidifies Sydney's standing as a leading global cultural capital and a must-experience destination in the Asia-Pacific. "We're now calling on the next wave of creatives to help shape Vivid Sydney 2026. Whether you're an artist, designer, performer, producer or chef, this is your opportunity to be part of something extraordinary and share your vision." Returning as Major Partners for Vivid Sydney 2025 were Samsung Electronics Australia and Kia. Samsung activated on both land and water in Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour with Space to Dream, which explored the boundless potential of creativity inspired by Galaxy AI. Kia displayed its new and highly anticipated EV3 electric vehicle along the Vivid Light Walk. Official Partners included Estée Lauder, returning for its second year, with their installation: While You Were Dreaming—a radiant fusion of science, beauty and imagination, along with Ausgrid, who powered Vivid Sydney's Tumbalong Nights program. Airbnb was once again Vivid Sydney's Community Partner, supporting the volunteer program, while the festival's Charity Partner for 2025 Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation brought Dream Scene to Darling Harbour –a digital canvas where children's dreams come alive in an evolving dreamscape. Vivid Sydney Supporting Partners Dexus, Event Engineering, Kennards Hire, Mandylights, Nova, Port Authority of NSW, SBS, Stan, The P.A. People, TDC, and Transdev. To learn more or submit an Expression of Interest, visit: - Ends - SOURCE Destination New South Wales Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
