A nightmare unfolding as viral footage captures thousands struggling to leave the event, likened to bustling cities like New Delhi or Tokyo.
As the attendees flooded into Circular Quay train station, the main public transportation hub of the mesmerizing light walk, the scene resembled a slow-motion shuffle through the ticket gates.
Critics wasted no time expressing their disdain, questioning whether the spectacle of Vivid was worth enduring such overwhelming crowds. One disgruntled commenter exclaimed, “A big reason why I hate going to Vivid.”
Amidst the sea of people, others echoed their sentiments, expressing a desire to be anywhere else but there. “I’ll pass, everyone just wants their new TikTok video and Instagram photo,” remarked a disillusioned individual.
Recalling past experiences, one person recounted, “The last time I went OMG the crowds were so bad, will never go again.”
Vivid Sydney, a highly anticipated event on the city’s calendar, has long been associated with massive crowds, and attendees have been forewarned about the bustling nature of the festival.
The circulating video is believed to have been captured over the weekend, when the crowds reach their peak. The Vivid website advises that Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, and the Monday public holiday night attract the largest crowds.
In an effort to alleviate the congestion, Vivid has offered some suggestions to those still keen on experiencing the luminous displays. They recommend families with young children and strollers consider visiting on weekdays when visitor numbers are expected to be lower and arriving earlier in the evening.
Sydneysiders joined the conversation, sharing their own tips on TikTok, urging others to walk to alternative stations such as Wynyard or St James to avoid getting caught in the masses.
