ABSTRACT
Throughout human existence, light has made the world visible. An ability to illuminate surroundings gave transformative power and revealed beliefs that were expressed in pagan rituals and festivals that continue to be held around world. Light changes the physical environment and creates a distinctive atmosphere so it is not surprising that it is an integral part of events. An historical review recognises the impact of technological developments combined with changing attitudes towards the night, to fire, gaslight and, in recent times, to the contemporary electronic topology which has added festivity to the nightscapes of cities. Examples are provided of the variety of visual transformations caused by illumination and the emergence of light festivals before describing the dramatic impact of Vivid Sydney, an event that relies on a combination of artistic creativity and technological innovation and has become a major tourist attraction.
