The St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt will again be the centerpiece of a stunning free light and sound show as the iconic building lights up Sydney and captures the imagination of audiences with the Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE from 8 – 25 December. Once more, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) join us as Principal Partner.
Bring the whole family to view the Fantasia-style animation of the classic Christmas favourite The Nutcracker Suite. Watch as Clara and her friends play and dance around the magnificent facade of St Mary’s Cathedral which will be transformed into a magical castle with light and sound projections.
The projections provide a stunning backdrop for a public celebration of Christmas using interactive storytelling and a beautiful combination of creativity and technology to connect with the audience. This free event now in its eighth year is a Christmas calendar must for Sydneysiders and visitors of all ages.
At the commencement of the show at 7:30pm each evening, choirs from across Sydney will perform live Christmas carols on the steps of Sydney’s grandest Cathedral. Joy To The World, the theme for 2016, is guaranteed to get visitors in the Christmas spirit.
“It’s really worth visiting the city centre after sunset to soak up the magical atmosphere and take in the colourful moving projections on the magnificent facade of St Mary’s Cathedral,” the Lord Mayor said. “Bring your loved ones – and a camera – and take a walk from Sydney Town Hall to Martin Place and the Cathedral to celebrate the season of peace, joy and goodwill.”
Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney
Continuing its beloved tradition, glorious images of the Madonna and Child from some of the great arts masters will adorn the Cathedral’s façade following The Nutcracker Suite.
I am delighted we are once more featuring The Lights of Christmas on our beautiful Cathedral with enchanting animations and some of my favourite works of art of our Blessed Mother and the baby Jesus. This is a wonderful Sydney tradition to which everyone is welcome. ”
Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop
The Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE has been a much-loved event on the Sydney Christmas calendar since 2009, providing a destination for Sydneysiders to gather loved ones in a public space and celebrate the season of peace, joy and goodwill. Last year’s display attracted crowds of over 300,000 people and this year is expected to see an even greater boost in attendance.
“PAYCE is delighted to be associated with an event for families and friends that embraces the same spirit of community which PAYCE is committed to delivering through its own projects.” Dominic Sullivan. Director of PAYCE Consolidated Limited.
“Christmas is the season of lights. In a year of great challenges both in Australia and around our world, Christmas is also a time of reflection and celebration. The Lights of Christmas gives us the opportunity to celebrate the light of the new born Christ with our city, our Church, our communities and our world”. Prof. Greg Craven, Vice-Chancellor and President, Australian Catholic University.
The Lights of Christmas is created by AGB events, hosted by the Archdiocese of Sydney, with Presenting Partner PAYCE Consolidated Ltd and Australian Catholic University as the Principal Partner for 2016.
“AGB Events is very proud of the Lights of Christmas. We have created an iconic celebration that has become a Christmas tradition for Sydney” Anthony Bastic, Director AGB Events