The Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th birthday celebrations are officially underway with a spectacular light show beaming across the iconic landmark.
In a special tribute, the pylons, upper and inner arches and under the road deck will light up over four nights, showcasing the Bridge’s incredible story.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said tonight’s lighting of the Bridge marks the start of a series of celebratory events which include an important nod to
public transport.
“The Bridge has been the centre of many key moments in our transport story and historic trains, buses, ferries and cars will join Saturday’s main event,” Mr Elliott said.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said that when the Bridge opened it was the largest single arch of its kind anywhere in the world.
“Ninety years on, the Bridge continues to inspire awe and serve its city by linking North Sydney with the CBD as a major thoroughfare,” Mrs Ward said.
“Our Bridge isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s a key artery for our city’s beating heart. Functional and beautiful, it’s an inspiration for everything we seek to build.”
More than 1.5 kilometres of LED lights on the Bridge will complement art projected onto the pylons. The 15-minute light show includes a tribute to the Bridge’s Chief
Engineer Dr John Bradfield.
Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the Bridge has become a crucial part of the identity and culture of Sydney and Australia.
“It’s incredible to think this Bridge was completed in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, and without the modern technology and machinery we have today. It’s a
great example of vision and hard work bringing progress to our State,” Mr Griffin said.
Unity is the theme of the light show and features work by Indigenous artists Jodie Austin and Kiara Rodriguez-Hextal as well as vocals by renowned Indigenous storyteller Nardi Simpson which people will be able to hear from Campbells Cove on Saturday night.
Award-winning Artistic Director Nicholas Tory and his Ample Projects team worked with lighting designer Richard Neville from Mandylights, and Michael Hassett’s projection specialists at TDC to pull it all together.
“I wrote the script to highlight what the bridge represents, a unifying presence linking Gadigal and Cammeraygal lands and a city-defining piece of infrastructure. The show also celebrates other elements that make Sydney unique – like its extraordinary harbour,” Mr Tory said.
For a full list of events and activities to mark the Bridge’s 90th birthday, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/sydneyharbourbridge
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