The Jackson will host curated Sydney Symphony Orchestra performances on 23 May and 30 May, marking the first time the ensemble has performed aboard a moving vessel during Vivid Sydney.
The 60-metre superyacht will cruise Sydney Harbour on two Saturday nights during the festival, combining five-course dining with live classical music against the illuminated backdrop of Vivid installations. Guests will experience uninterrupted views of the Opera House, Circular Quay and the city skyline while the orchestra performs.
The partnership extends Vivid’s reach into premium experiences. While 80 per cent of the festival remains free, luxury venues like The Jackson are creating an exclusive tier targeting high-income visitors during the 22 May to 13 June festival period.
Holly Vaughan from The Jackson Sydney described the collaboration as historic. “Vivid Sydney is one of the most exciting cultural moments in the world and this year we wanted to create something truly historic on Sydney Harbour,” Vaughan said. “To host a curated ensemble from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra aboard The Jackson is incredibly special.”
The vessel features state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a five-metre LED screen, performance stage and multiple bars. Based at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, The Jackson can accommodate between 50 and 700 guests across three luxury levels.
The Jackson’s culinary team has designed a refined five-course menu paired with premium Penfolds Wines for the performances. The vessel will move through the harbour during dinner service, offering 360-degree views of illuminated landmarks that static harbour-side restaurants cannot provide.
This marks the first time a curated section of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has performed on water during Vivid. The technical challenge of delivering classical music aboard a moving vessel, with harbour movement and city noise, represents a significant production undertaking.
The partnership reflects Vivid’s expansion beyond government-funded installations into privatised festival infrastructure. Luxury operators are now core to Vivid’s programming mix rather than fringe vendors, creating a tiered festival model that balances democratic access with exclusive revenue-generating experiences.
Tickets for both performances are likely to sell out quickly due to the vessel’s limited capacity and the unique nature of the collaboration. Only two nights are scheduled for the symphony performances during the three-week festival.
The Jackson positions itself as Sydney’s most accessible luxury on-water venue, though the Vivid performances represent the premium end of the festival’s expanded programming. The broader festival includes the free 6.5-kilometre Light Walk and Tumbalong Nights music programming.
Accommodation across Sydney typically books up early during Vivid, with 2025 recording the highest May hotel occupancy rates since 2019. Visitors planning to attend The Jackson performances should secure lodging near harbour precincts in advance.
Quick Facts
The Jackson
A 60-metre luxury superyacht moored at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, featuring three levels of sophisticated event spaces, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, and capacity for up to 700 guests. The Jackson hosts premium ticketed events during major Sydney festivals and operates as an on-water venue for corporate events, weddings, and curated experiences.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Australia’s most respected orchestra ensemble, based at the Sydney Opera House. The SSO regularly performs in concert halls and participates in special collaborations across Sydney’s cultural calendar, including Vivid Sydney programming and collaborative performances with contemporary artists.
Vivid Sydney 2026
The 16th edition of Sydney’s annual Light, Music, Minds and Food festival, running 22 May–13 June 2026. Vivid 2026 expands into daytime programming for the first time and features partnerships with luxury venues, major institutions and independent creators across four cultural pillars. Over 80% of programming remains free.