Sydney Solstice

Case study
2021
Strategy
Creative
Programming & Curation

Creating a festival to reactivate Sydney’s CBD.

Sydney Solstice
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Sydney Solstice

THE CHALLENGE

The brief stipulated that the concept must:

  • boost economic growth to hospitality, event and live performance suppliers
  • support surrounding businesses such as live performance venues, restaurants and bars
  • attract visitation in the CBD,
  • support local business and suppliers and shift the paradigm of Sydney being known primarily for its Harbour.

“The NSW Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the recovery of the CBD from the impact of COVID-19, and we are revitalising our night-time economy through reform. Sydney Solstice is a shining example of all this work, creating a fantastic program of events and experiences for the public to enjoy, giving them a compelling reason to return to the CBD for a night or more and see why Sydney is truly the greatest city in the world.”

The Hon. Stuart Ayres

Minister for Tourism, Western Sydney, Investment and Jobs

Sydney Solstice

OUR APPROACH

PM was chosen to respond to an exclusive RFQ, which required the development of a strategy, concept, and project management plan for the event. Our approach involved targeted stakeholder consultations, market research, and insights to create and test a proposed festival structure. A critical aspect of our role as PM was to curate the final event lineup to align with the overall strategy that was developed.

Our key strategies included emphasizing connection as the centerpiece of the hospitality and arts communities. We believe that connection is crucial in moving forward together to create a thriving 24-hour economy that benefits everyone. We also presented a festival that engages all the senses, leading up to the longest night of the year. This festival unites the hospitality, music, and arts industries, with bespoke events born from collaboration, activated across multiple precincts.

Our festival featured a combination of public, open space events, and in-venue activations, bringing everyone together with a shared goal of experiencing Sydney Solstice

Sydney Solstice
Sydney Solstice
Sydney Solstice

The result

Multiple key precincts including Darling Harbour + surrounds, CBD, YCK Laneways, South Eveleigh, Oxford Street, Newtown, and surrounds.

Events

180

Tickets sold

23k

CBD visitation increase

16%

PAX over 3 days

77k

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