Vivid Sydney Chaos: Attendees Describe Trapped Situation After Drone Show

Attendees at Vivid Sydney express feeling ‘trapped’ in a crowd frenzy post a dazzling drone show at Circular Quay on Saturday night. The event saw a rush of spectators, leading to congestion near the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Reports of attendees feeling overwhelmed as they tried to make their way home after the event swarmed social media.

Student Anthony Warren from Melbourne shared concerns about the chaotic situation, fearing a potential crush amidst the mass exodus. According to Warren, the lack of clear directions and crowd control exacerbated the situation, leaving many in distress, including families and the elderly.

Former NSW minister Victor Dominello echoed Warren’s sentiments, labeling the ordeal as ‘human sardines’ and comparing the crowd to New Year's Eve celebrations on steroids. He criticized the apparent absence of effective crowd management strategies.

In response to the incident, Health Minister Ryan Park announced heightened police presence for upcoming events, acknowledging the unprecedented turnout and emphasizing the need for caution amid the popular festival.

The chaos at Vivid Sydney underscores the shift in urban dynamics, as noted by Margy Osmond from the Tourism and Transport Taskforce. Major city hubs like Sydney and Melbourne are increasingly becoming leisure destinations, attracting crowds for various events beyond traditional work schedules.

The Love is in the Air drone show, a highlight of Vivid Sydney, mesmerized the crowd with 700 drones creating romantic symbols over the harbor. However, the event’s success was marred by the overwhelming turnout, prompting concerns about safety and crowd management.