Thousands trapped in crowd chaos at Vivid Sydney after a drone show - what went wrong?
The tranquil atmosphere of Sydney's Vivid Festival was shattered as chaos erupted on the Harbour foreshore following a spectacular drone show. Police and organizers were caught off guard by the unexpectedly large number of attendees, leading to congestion and concerns over crowd safety. Attendees expressed their frustration on social media, recounting their harrowing experiences of being 'trapped' in massive crowds at Circular Quay. Shocking footage captured the intensity of the situation, with festival-goers fearing a potential crush as they struggled to navigate the overcrowded area.
The drone show, featuring over 700 drones in a dazzling display titled 'Love is in the air,' was the highlight of the Vivid Sydney light festival. Despite the breathtaking spectacle, the event turned into a nightmare for many as they found themselves in precarious situations due to the overwhelming turnout. Revelers were left terrified and on edge as the situation escalated into what some described as a 'crowd crush' at Circular Quay. The festival's essence of illuminating the city with light installations was overshadowed by the unexpected chaos that unfolded.
In the aftermath, NSW Police and Vivid organizers defended their handling of the situation, emphasizing their efforts to ensure the safety of attendees. The incident served as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by managing large-scale events, especially in popular tourist destinations like Sydney. Despite the chaos, the resilience of the crowd averted a potential disaster, with attendees acknowledging the importance of remaining calm in such situations.
The 'Love is in the air' drone show at Vivid Sydney captivated audiences with its innovative use of technology and light to create a mesmerizing display. However, the unintended consequence of the show was the overwhelming turnout that led to crowd chaos, highlighting the need for better crowd management strategies in future events. As the festival continues to evolve and attract larger crowds, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of attendees will remain a priority for organizers and authorities.
Police say a larger-than-expected number of attendees resulted in congestion after a drone show at Sydney's Vivid Festival.
Chaos unfolded at Vivid Sydney overnight as thousands crammed onto the Harbour foreshore to catch a glimpse...
NSW Police and Vivid organisers have defended their response to huge crowds on Saturday night, after several attendees took to social media over concerns ...
Shocking video footage has captured the moment festival goers say they became 'trapped' in heaving crowds in Circular Quay.
More people than expected turned out to Sydney's Circular Quay to view a show featuring over 700 drones.
This photo taken on June 8, 2024 shows a view of the "Love is in the air" drone show during the "Vivid Sydney" light festival in Sydney, Australia.
Festival-goers at the Vivid Sydney light show have been left terrified after they were caught in a 'crowd crush' at Circular Quay on Saturday night.
Vivid attendees say it was 'lucky no one panicked' after a bottleneck risked causing a crowd crush after Saturday night's drone show in Circular Quay.
This photo taken on June 8, 2024 shows a view of the "Love is in the air" drone show during the "Vivid Sydney" light festival in Sydney, Australia.