art

Vivid Sydney transforms the harbour city with light, music and ideas

NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner officially opened the fifth annual Vivid Sydney festival (May 24 – June 10) by lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House to unveil a stunning visual feast of colour, movement and world-class lighting artistry, with amazing 3D-mapped light projections by Australian creative innovators, The Spinifex Group.

Launching a greatly expanded Vivid Sydney this year, including lighting the Sydney Harbour Bridge and transforming Darling Harbour into a spectacular water theatre, Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said the festival, which is owned and managed by Destination NSW, the State’s major events and tourism agency, reinforced Sydney’s position as Australia’s global city and the creative hub of the Asia-Pacific.

“After a few short years Vivid Sydney is now the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, and a globally renowned celebration of creativity and innovation,” Mr Stoner said.

“2013 will be the biggest and boldest Vivid Sydney yet, showcasing the city like it’s never been seen before to visitors not only from Sydney and NSW, but interstate and overseas, and promoting the world-class creative industries of NSW.

Vivid Light Shines Bigger and Brighter
“The Vivid Light footprint has tripled in size and for the first time Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge will come alive with a spectacular installation created through a collaboration between Vivid partner Intel Australia and Sydney’s 32 Hundred Lighting, with support from North Sydney Council, in a world-first interactive programmable lighting installation on the bridge’s western face, controlled by the public from a touch screen located on the Luna Park boardwalk.

“With the Sydney Harbour Bridge installation visible from Balmain, North Sydney and a multitude of harbourside vantage points on the western side of the bridge, Vivid Light illuminates more parts of the city and is accessible to more people than ever before.

“In another first, Vivid Light has extended into Darling Harbour, transforming the area into a spectacle of dancing water fountains, water screen projection performances and dazzling light and water shows, never seen before in Australia, masterminded by France’s legendary Aquatique Show International. Water shows will play on the hour, every hour from 6pm each night of Vivid Sydney, with fireworks joining the choreographed performances each Saturday.

“Crowd favourites Customs House, Circular Quay, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, The Rocks and Walsh Bay will again become a canvas for the public to enjoy wonderful light projections and installations that will appeal to all ages,” Mr Stoner said.

With a record number of applications to be part of Vivid Light, one-third of all light installations are from overseas artists, demonstrating the unique platform Vivid Sydney offers to engage with the best of the global creative economy and foster international business opportunities.

“Vivid Sydney is where technology, commerce and art intersect—delivering real business outcomes. With 37 per cent of Australia’s creative industries located in NSW, supporting creative industries through events like Vivid Sydney is key to the NSW Government’s strategy to grow the NSW economy,” Mr Stoner said.

“In 2012 Vivid Sydney attracted more than 500,000 spectators and we anticipate numbers will reach well over 550,000 in 2013, injecting around $10 million in new money into the NSW economy.”

Vivid LIVE and Vivid Music – Loud and clear with a spectrum of world class talent
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House tonight opens with a performance by electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk, who begin the first of a four-night presentation of their acclaimed retrospective series that also sold out at MoMA in New York and TATE Modern in London.

With more than 25 music events by leading international and national artists, highlights include the world premiere of Australia’s Empire of the Sun’s much-anticipated second album Ice On The Dune, Underworld’s electronic king Karl Hyde, and the 45-piece Heritage Orchestra performing Vangelis’ original Blade Runner score.

For the first time, an additional music program Vivid Music will be staged in the last week of the festival, focusing on electronic, experimental, improvised music, including the Terminal Projekt at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Vivid Sydney at Seymour’s New Wave: Sound, and special programs for ISEA2013 and the Argyle.

Vivid Ideas assembles big thinkers in biggest line up yet
The Vivid Ideas program brings leading creatives and thought leaders from across the world to Sydney in over 120 creative industry business events as part of Vivid Ideas, and was voted one of the world’s top ten ideas festivals in the world by the UK’s influential Guardian newspaper.

Vivid Ideas’ program focuses on innovation, discussion, and collaboration. Highlights include Australian-exclusive talks from visual artist and cult icon David Shrigley (UK), streetwear entrepreneur Johnny Cupcakes (USA), digital artist and storyteller Jonathan Harris (USA), IDEO’s Chief Creative Officer Paul Bennett (USA), and revolutionary product designer Jane Chen (USA/India).

Creative industry business events partnering with Vivid Sydney include Australian International Design Festival, The Digital Playground by IDEA Australia, International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) 2013, Semi-Permanent, Sydney Writers’ Festival, Reportage Photography Festival, X|Media|Lab, SPARC International Lighting Event, Sydney Film Festival, Mumbrella360, Head On Photo Festival, AMPlify, and CeBIT Australia.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “Vivid Sydney is a ground-breaking event that builds the creative community of Sydney, as well as generating visitation from our key tourism markets. It is Sydney and Australia’s major festival in winter, and a signature event on the NSW events calendar. This year we have a free Vivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle ferry servicing Walsh Bay, North Sydney and Darling Harbour.

“I thank partners Intel, Citibank and Audi and other supporters, and encourage everyone to come and experience Australia’s global event city in a completely different light during Vivid Sydney.”

What’s On: GRAB A BITE OF VIVID SYDNEY

VIVID Sydney, an exciting festival of international and local innovation and experimentation in music and light installations, is just moments away. Running from 24 May to 10 June 2013 with many great pop-ups and dining destinations nearby, it is easy to stop for a bite and make a night of the bright lights, great music and big ideas.

Panama House at VIVID Terminal Bar

This year Bondi’s hottest eatery, Panama House, will be serving up dishes from south-of-the border at VIVID’s Terminal Bar, the hub of this year’s VIVID experience. The bar, in the Cargo Hall of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, will feature pop-up dining from a range of restaurants as well as wine, music and installations to celebrate the final weekend of the festival, 8-10 June. Munch on delicious street-food with family and friends, while taking in the best view of the silhouettes cast over the Sydney Opera House and other light installations across Circular Quay.

VIVID Terminal Bar

4pm until midnight 8,9,10 June, free entry

The Cargo Hall, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

Featuring restaurants: Panama House, Mexicano, Bourke Street Bakery After Hours
Food available from 5.30pm
Astral Projekt light installation

Terminal Projekt, Vivid Music Events – 8,9 June
http://www.vividsydney.com/events/vivid-terminal-bar

Guillaume At Bennelong, Sydney Opera House

Where better to experience this year’s VIVID Festival than right in the centre of the action, under the lit-up sails of the Sydney Opera House. Set inside the world-renowned landmark, Guillaume At Bennelong’s restaurant and bar feature spectacular views across Sydney Harbour and the city, providing the perfect vantage point to take in the lights of VIVID. Taste dishes from the new autumn menu or enjoy signature dishes such as the basil-infused yellowfin tuna, Ranger’s Valley beef and passionfruit soufflé. Whatever you decide on, Guillaume At Bennelong combines the best of Australia’s fresh local produce with classical French influences from one of Australia’s most loved chefs, Guillaume Brahimi.

Guillaume At Bennelong

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point

Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, lunch Thursday and Friday
http://www.guillaumeatbennelong.com.au

Ph. 02 9241 1999

ArgyleXchange – Saké Restaurant & Bar, The Cut Bar & Grill, Ananas Bar & Brasserie, The Argyle

With four extraordinary venues in one unique space, ArgyleXchange has your dining and drinking needs covered during this year’s VIVID Festival. Start with a Japanese cocktail and a side of sashimi at Saké Restaurant & Bar or champagne and oysters at Ananas Bar & Brasserie followed by French dessert. Indulge in a New York-style steak at The Cut Bar & Grill then hit the dance floor at The Argyle ‘til the early hours. With an impressive outdoor courtyard at its heart, and exceptional restaurants and bars at its soul, ArgyleXchange is the premiere one-stop dining and entertainment hub in The Rocks.

ArgyleXchange
12-20 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney

Open seven days a week

http://www.argylexchange.com.au

Ph. 02 9009 0806

Free Vivid Sydney Ferry and new Vivid App for effortless exploring

With the biggest ever Vivid Light Walk set to illuminate the Sydney Harbour foreshore in just four days’ time, exploring the new sights and sounds of Vivid Sydney 2013 has just got easier, thanks to a brand new, free Vivid Sydney app, and a freeVivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle ferry service on offer from Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency which owns and manages Vivid Sydney.

On from 24 May to 10 June 2013 every night from 6pm, Vivid Sydney is set to amaze visitors with more than 60 interactive light installations and projections across Circular Quay, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, and new for this year – the western side of the Harbour Bridge at North Sydney, Fort Denison, and amazing, Australian-first water theatre performances at Darling Harbour.

Available for download now, the Vivid Sydney app includes an interactive map with points of interest, information about the projections, light installations and artists; suggested itineraries; and special features including a ‘favourites’ function that highlights ‘not to be missed’ installations to help planning for the best Vivid Sydney experience. For more information visit http://www.vividsydney.com
The freeVivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle ferry service will operate between Kirribilli, Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour from 6pm-midnight every night of the 18-day event, providing an easy way to reach North Sydney to paint the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or travel to Darling Harbour for the spectacular Vivid Aquatique water show.

“Vivid Sydney is a fantastic, free, family-friendly event, and with more attractions than ever on offer, with the new free app and free harbour shuttle, festivalgoers can plan ahead to get the most out of their Vivid Sydney experience. There are also updates and news on the Vivid Sydney Facebook and Twitter accounts,” said Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase.

“There are also great dining options with food markets, formal and family dining across the Vivid Sydney footprint,” Ms Chipchase added.

Food with a view

North Sydney’s Food and Artisan Markets will bring Bradfield Park to life from 6pm each Friday and Saturday night during Vivid Sydney, with premium arts and crafts stalls, street theatre, warming winter fare and colourful LED cube seats to sit back and enjoy the best view on earth. The markets are located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, en route from Luna Park to the Jeffrey Street Wharf and ferry service.

There are plenty of other dining options with views of the illuminated harbour foreshore including Dinner DeLIGHTS at Fort Denison, which offers a sumptuous two-course dinner accompanied by talks from Vivid Sydney light artists, and a guided tour of the historic island which features five light walk installations. The Vivid Night Markets at The Rocks are also on every Friday and Saturday night during Vivid Sydney.

Restaurants along Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Quarter and Harbourside will give diners not only fantastic menu choices but also a perfect view of Vivid Aquatique, the water theatre by Aquatique Show International, playing on the hour throughout the night.

Darling Harbour will also feature a Citibank Pop-up Bar, open from 6pm to midnight during Vivid Sydney.

Transport information

The free Vivid Sydney Harbour Shuttle loops between Ives Steps Wharf (Walsh Bay) to Jeffrey Street Wharf (Kirribilli) to Pyrmont Bay Wharf (Pyrmont) and Towns Place Wharf (Walsh Bay). The ferry loop operates from 6pm each night during Vivid Sydney with final services at approximately midnight. The regular service departs from each wharf every 40 minutes with increased services between 8pm and 10pm. First ferry departs from Ives Steps Wharf at 6pm.

Harbour City Ferries will be operating additional services will be on the Darling Harbour Loop and the River from Sydney Olympic Park to Darling Harbour on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For timetable details visit http://www.sydneyferries.info

All Vivid Sydney precincts are within walking distance of Sydney Central Business District and North Sydney train stations – Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall, Martin Place and Milsons Point.

Utilise the extensive network of public buses, metro bus services provide direct cross-city and cross-harbour links to a wide range of locations in and around Sydney.
Wilson Parking is offering convenient parking and great deals throughout the 18 days of Vivid Sydney. Pre-book your parking online to take advantage of parking discounts with Wilson Parking’s, Book a Bay.

App and Podcast information

The Vivid Sydney app is compatible with all smart phones. For more information and to download the free app visit the iTunes store or head to http://www.vividsydney.com

Podcasts are also available for download from the 702 ABC Sydney website to guide you through the light walk and provide additional sculpture information.

An information booth is located at Customs House, on Alfred Street at Circular Quay. An LED pillar close to this location also displays a site map and artwork details.

What’s On: Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge lights up in exclusive preview

More than 100,000 LEDs were ablaze in a kaleidoscope of colour on the Sydney Harbour Bridge tonight as the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, previewed the iconic structure’s highly anticipated interactive light installation, a new spectacular addition to this year’s Vivid Sydney, ahead of the festival’s opening night on Friday 24 May.

A world-first immersive projection following a collaboration between Vivid partner, Intel Australia, and Sydney-based lightwork innovators 32 Hundred Lighting, extends the Vivid Light Walk across the harbour into the North Sydney precinct for the first time.

The Deputy Premier illuminated the western face of the iconic structure in a colourful rainbow of bold pinks, reds, blues and greens from an interactive touchscreen located on the Luna Park boardwalk. He was joined by Kate Burleigh, Managing Director Intel Australia & New Zealand; North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson; and Iain Reed from 32 Hundred Lighting.

“Vivid Sydney has created a historic moment for Sydney – showing the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge in a way never seen before and for visitors to interact with one of our most iconic structures, every night of the 18-day festival,” Mr Stoner said.

What’s On: Fashion Weekend Sydney 2013 – Sydney’s Essential Designer Shopping & Catwalk Event

Sydney’s most exclusive designer shopping and catwalk event is back – and it’s officially packed!
Get the girls together and plan the ultimate fashion packed weekend.

Fashion Weekend Sydney 2013 tickets are on sale now from Ticketek – http://www.ticketek.com.au/fashionweekend

Fashion Weekend will open on Thursday May 16 at 5pm to Sunday May 19 at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. Sponsored by SHOP Til You Drop, [yellow tail], TONI&GUY, NP Set, Sally Hansen and more, Fashion Weekend is the only fashion event in every fashionistas diary this season.

Prepare yourself for incredible discounts from your favourite designers, sensational catwalk shows, luxury pampering, on trend style advice from the SHOP editors at the Fashion Clinic and bubbles on tap at the [yellow tail] Bar.

Join the fashion pack and experience the front row glitz of the full runway experience. The Fashion Weekend Catwalk is set to dazzle and inspire with a sensational show featuring over 100 leading looks from Australia’s most sought after designers. Sit front row and catch the latest trends before you shop for your ultimate designer wardrobe (at a fraction of its normal retail price!).

Once you’ve picked your favourite looks for the season, hit the event floor to literally SHOP til you drop! With over 100 leading designers showcasing their collections at amazing discounts of up to 70% off, Fashion Weekend is the hub for Sydney style and pure shopping heaven. Don’t miss designers such Natasha, Peeptoe, Rodeo Show, Bec & Bridge, Levis, Christensen Copenhagen, Something Else, Stylestalker, Nicole Finetti, Maurie & Eve…just to name a few!

Get your next fix with a visit to the BEAUTY HUB – Take a seat at NP Set, who will have you looking fly in a flash with their mini make-overs and glam lashes. The awardwinning team at TONI&GUY will be on hand to coiffure your locks while nail experts at the Sally Hansen Nail Salon will brighten your day with a coat of new colour. Finally finish off your beautification with a professional model shoot at The Photo Studio.

And a girl’s day out of shopping and pampering would not be complete without a wine! Head to the [yellow tail] Bar and unwind with a glass of your favourite wine – it’s the ultimate fashionista’s day out!

Fashion Weekend 2013 is not to be missed, get your tickets now! Visit http://www.fashionweekend.com.au for more information.

Opening times

Thursday 16th May (Opening night) – 5pm – 9pm Friday 17th may – 12pm – 9pm

Saturday 18th May – 10am – 5pm

Sunday 19th May – 10am- 5pm

Ticket Types:

VIP – $99 valid any day. Strictly limited tickets; includes access to private lounge, complimentary drinks, private till point and bathroom and sponsor goodies.

Platinum – shop and Front Tier catwalk seat: $60 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail]),
$50 Friday – Sunday
Gold – shop and general seating in catwalk: $50 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail), $40 Friday – Sunday
Silver – shop only:

$30 Thursday (incl glass of [yellow tail), $20 Friday – Sunday

Film Review: The Place Beyond the Pines

Since writing for Sydney Social 101 I have always reviewed action, comedy or sci-fi so it was a nice change to see a drama for once.

The film follows two families from two very different backgrounds. Ryan Gosling plays ‘Luke’ who is a motorcycle stunt rider who works in a travelling circus. The circus comes back to a town and where he quickly finds out that he had got Eva Mendes ‘Romina’ pregnant and now has a child. He does the right thing to quit, stay in the town and get a job to help pay for his son. Obviously walking back in Romina’s life isn’t going to be as easy as he thinks. To bring the money in quicker he turns to bank robbing, using his motorcycle skills to escape.
The second family belongs to Bradley Cooper ‘Avery’ who also has a young son and a much better upbringing . Avery is a rookie cop and without any spoilers he comes in to contact with Luke due to his bank robbing. His story looks in to the corrupt police force in his town. Ray Liotta is one of the cops and puts in his usual performance.

The film seems to be split in to three sections. Luke’s story, Avery’s story and 15 or so years on. Between the first two sections, the main characters rarely come in to contact and it does feel like three separate films. Though it is great how the film ends and seems to come full circle.

Ryan Gosling is fantastic as Luke. It is really hard deciding weather to like or hate his character but Ryan gives an awesome performance. It was great to see Bradley Cooper play a serious part for once and I am sure he will now be given many more opportunities.

Be prepared for a very early shock in the film. You wont believe when it happens but it nicely sets the scene for the rest of the film. It is a moving film and does make you think a lot about relationships within your own family.

SydneySocial101 gives ‘The Place Beyond The Pines’ 7.5/10. Syrus Wynne attended the screening on behalf of Sydney Social 101.

Social Spy** Art Battles Australia Crowns Winner of 2013 ‘The Quay Series’

Art Battles Australia ‘The Quay Series’ held its finals weekend over Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May 2013 at Circular Quay and Sydney Social 101 had the honour of being invited as a guest! With the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, the 2 day finale ran in conjunction with Tiger Beer’s Street Football tournaments, creating a collaboration of music, art and sport.

Twelve artists who competed over a six week period at Name This Bar came together at Circular Quay on Saturday to battle it out in three fierce semi-final rounds throughout the day. Artists had 90 minutes to complete an artwork with the theme ‘Concrete Jungle’ on oversized canvases. The artists were scored by a points system, judged by representatives from sponsors Tiger Beer, Eckersley’s and Liquitex, and the top five artists went through to the Grand Final.

Artists Lee McConnell, INDO, Caryn Griffin, Ken Tucker and Sam Paine made it through to compete in the Grand Final on Sunday to impress celebrity judges Nacho Pop (dancer, choreographer and TV personality), Hayley Jensen (singer songwriter and former Australian Idol contestant) and renowned journalist Amy Cooper. With the new theme ‘Where You Would Rather Be’, artists took part in the second day of creating live artworks in a 90 minute showdown in front of thousands of locals and national and international tourists.

Lee McDonnell Mambo artist, and INDO professional graphic designer\illustrator turned professional artist, were the top two finalists for the day, with Lee taking out the coverted first prize and INDO coming second and winning an Eckersley’s hamper. First prize winner, Lee, has been crowned 2013 Art Battles Australia winner and won an all expenses paid trip to Vietnam to represent Australia at Tiger Translate Vietnam as a guest of Tiger Beer Australia. Tiger Translate aims to celebrate global creativity through the exposure to different cultures and experiences. Bringing creative artists from the East and West together, they showcase their artistic collaborations spanning the areas of music, design and art, fashion, dance, photography and more.

Art Battles Australia is an initiative that was founded in 2011 at Name This Bar, Oxford Street Sydney. The aim was to provide an innovative event, at a venue for up and coming artists to showcase their talents to the general public and patrons of the bar, along with live entertainment, DJs, and celebrity MCs and judges. The Art Battles concept has not only changed the way that artists display their skills but has also created a new model for exhibitions and sales.

This year Art Battles was even bigger and better with their launch of ‘The Quay Series’. An all-new artist line up selected from a pool of the freshest up and coming and established Sydney visual artists took part in 6 heats, which were held weekly from Thursday 28th March at Name This Bar. The Art Battles events saw two artists per heat battle it out on canvases in a 100 minute showdown. Artists created their works using a number of different styles and techniques on canvas from street art to fine art using tools such as brush, marker pens and for the first time spray paints.

For more information visit: http://www.namethisbar.com.au & http://www.artbattles.com.au

All images are credited to: Alexandra E. Petri, TNT

Fashion Spy** Katie Perry Popping up in Paddington

Australian fashion designer Katie Perry’s pop up store opening on Thursday 18th April saw several creative types coming together showcasing their fabulous wares. Sydney Social popped along to check it out.

Excited guests poured into Katie’s gorgeous residence on Paddington’s style mecca William Street to browse her gorgeous autumn collection and other luxury brands such as Swarovski jewellery from Jlili and boutique skincare Pink Hibiscus (a favourite of Jackie O and Bessie Bardot).

Sydney has seen a bit of a surge in the pop up phenomenon over the past few years. Rising rental prices sometimes see empty spaces for a retailer, bar or art gallery to temporarily spring up in. It’s fun for the consumers who constantly have new places to visit and an excellent way for niche retailers, who don’t necessarily want the financial burden of a full time store, to engage new customers, particularly when several retailers come together in one space.

Throughout the evening, Sydney Social enjoyed the sociability of the shopping experience and the friendly atmosphere while we bopped around to the various designers and retailers. We tasted fabulous Italian wine from Sensi Collezione and ate delicious hot canapés (served by equally delicious hot men!).

Katie Perry was on hand throughout the night to give style tips and showcase the collection. Her pop up shop will be open every Saturday and individual shopping appointments (and for further one off events).

Other guests included; Steve Clisby (The Voice), Lauren Dawes (The Voice), Adam Dixon (couture bridal designer and next-door neighbour) and Anna Lutkajitis (Skipping Girl). The beautiful flowers and decorations were supplied by Willow and Dune.

Sydney Social trivia: brief history of the pop-up shop
‘Vacant’ of Los Angeles was the first company to introduce pop-up retail. In 1999
following a business trip to Tokyo, ‘Vacant’ staff wondered whether consumers would line up to purchase limited edition products from niche retailers.

Once the products were sold out (usually within hours) the store would close until the owner received more products and would then re-open. This led ‘Vacant’ to think about closing the store permanently after the goods were sold, and moving it to another target destination, since consumers were travelling long distances to the niche retailers.

You can check out her online store is http://www.katieperry.com.au. This review was attended and written by Katie Hoskins. href=”http://sydneysocial101.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/20130424-115618.jpg”>

Film Review: Olympus Has Fallen

When I was invited to the screening of Olympus Has Fallen, i have to admit that I didn’t know anything about the film. As alway I like to keep away from trailers and any spoilers. I could tell from the poster that it was going to be an action film, but I wasnt expecting this pleasant surprise.

The film starts out with Aaron Eckhart, as President Benjamin Asher, who is getting ready for a big party with his wife and son. He is protected by his national security team, led by Gerard Butler as Mike Banning. You can see straight away that they have a tight friendship. Not spoiling the film, cue a big incident that leads Mike to end up one of the team.

It is a couple of years later and the Prime Minister of Korea comes to visit the president in the White House. Codename ‘Olympus’. Suddenly there is an attack in one awesome scene. Lots of action and explosions which are all intiated by something really cool. Again I wont spoil it. There is a very early twist in the film, but like me I am sure you will see it coming.

The President is captured in the White House and is held hostage by Koreans. They want America to move their troops out of Korea. Mike Banning is not gonna let this happen and begins his one man assault on the White House to save the President. You have definetly seen before in different forms. The hero is completely outnumbered but is able to take on the whole army and save the day. Arnie was great at it and so was Bruce Willis. Butler easily steps in to their shoes. If anything this reminded me a lot of Die Hard 1. Yes we have all seen it before but it has not been as good as this for a long time.

The film also stars Morgan Freeman as Speaker of the House and Angela Bassett as Secret Service Director.

The film is very patriotic with the American flag seen a number of times in slow motion. This did receive a lot of laughs from the non American audience. The film has been released in good timing with real life Korean events heating up.

With Gerard Butler in the lead role along with Aaron Eckhart, there is something for the girls. But this is a true boys action film at heart and I highly recommend it!!

Sydneysocial101 give ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ 8/10. The review was written by Syrus Wynne.

What’s on** Fort Denison announces bonfire lights for Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s famous Fort Denison, recently coveted by Ellen DeGeneres, has announced a series of light installations as part of Vivid Sydney, that will complement its program of dinners and Vivid Light artist talks being staged for the first time as a new addition to the 18-day festival of light, music and ideas, starting May 24.

FIRELIGHT @ FORT will see a giant 8-metre high, simulated bonfire propelled into the skyline every evening of Vivid Sydney (May 24 to 10 June) alongside several other works by a team from the Master of Design Lighting Design course at the University of Technology and sponsored by Philips.

The public will be able to see the works from the harbour foreshore and visit the island for the dinner and tour experience on select weekend nights during Vivid Sydney by booking the ferry and Dinner DeLights experience at http://www.fortdenison.com.au

The lighting installations on the island tell some of the history of Fort Denison during its 150 years perched in the middle of Sydney Harbour. It has been a defence outpost, a weather station and now a museum, restaurant and the home to many sensational evening events.

The giant artificial bonfire provides a welcoming beacon, inviting all indigenous tribes to come for a corroboree on the island that the local Aboriginal people called Mat-te-wan-ye. There will also be seven red chimneys reflecting the light of cosy hearths inside the barracks and lit windows will display silhouettes of the avian emblems of countries that were once seen as possible threats and invaders to the colony but are now our friends. The lone surviving palm tree on the island will cast shadows reminding viewers that there were once more palms on the island.

Designers Mike Day, Yiren Ding, Sun Jong Song and Alan Rose have created the whimsical and fun installations for great visual impact from the distance of the shore and to be enjoyed up close for the lucky visitors who take a ferry to the island from 6pm on the evenings of May 24, 25, 31, June 1, 7, 8 & 9. Ferries will depart Wharf 6 at Circular Quay.

Dinner DeLIGHTS includes a sumptuous two-course dinner overlooking the spectacular city lightshow, an intimate talk from Vivid Light artists and a guided tour of the historic Martello Tower, which offers breathtaking views of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Vivid Sydney lightshow at Circular Quay.

Diners can take in the spectacular Vivid Light walk around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Walsh Bay before boarding a five-minute harbour cruise to the island for dinner and drinks from 6.15pm until 9.45pm, with return ferry shuttles throughout the evening.

Fort Denison Restaurant is a rare gem of Sydney, nestled amongst the sandstone walls of Fort Denison Island in the centre of Sydney Harbour National Park and offering a crowd-pleasing menu, inspired by the best of Australian produce.

Bookings for Dinner DeLIGHTS are $99 per person, which includes a two-course meal, the Vivid Light artist talk, return water transfers to Circular Quay, park entry fee and a guided tour of the Martello Tower led by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Places are extremely limited, so people are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information or to make a booking email reservations@tecatering.com.au or visit http://www.fortdenison.com.au

What: Dinner DeLIGHTS
When: 24, 25 & 31 May and 1, 7, 8 & 9 June 2013
Where: Fort Denison Restaurant
Bookings: reservations@tecatering.com.au
More information: http://www.fortdenison.com.au