The Thirsty Mile Returns to Sydney Festival 2025: A Bold and Vibrant Takeover of Walsh Bay

The Thirsty Mile

Sydney’s iconic Walsh Bay Arts Precinct will once again come alive this January with the return of The Thirsty Mile, an exhilarating highlight of the Sydney Festival. This year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, as Tongan-born and Western Sydney-raised artist Telly Tuita takes center stage as the Visual Artist in Residence for 2025. With his captivating ‘Tongpop’ aesthetic, Tuita will transform the precinct into an explosion of vibrant colors, cultural influences, and nostalgic pop-culture references, creating an unforgettable festival experience that spans indoor and outdoor spaces alike.

Telly Tuita’s Tongpop Takeover

For those familiar with Telly Tuita’s work, the Tongpop aesthetic is a fusion of Tongan heritage, Polynesian diasporic experiences, and contemporary pop culture. His art reflects a unique intersection of past and present, with references to his homeland in Tonga as well as his Western Sydney upbringing. The Tā and Vā (Time and Space) of Tongpop will immerse visitors in a celebration of Pacific Islander identity, with stunning visual installations that stretch across the precinct, bringing the story of Tuita’s culture to life in a modern, bold way.

Throughout the month-long event, the precinct will be transformed into a dynamic, sensory-rich hub. From January 3rd, The Thirsty Mile will serve as the festival's vibrant heartbeat—an all-day and late-night hotspot where festivalgoers can enjoy a fusion of visual art, live performances, world premieres, and more. With eight exhibition spaces, multiple theatres, and a lineup of free live music performances, there’s something for everyone in this immersive festival experience.

A Festival of Color, Culture, and Creativity

The opening event on Friday, January 3, will mark the start of Telly Tuita’s visual takeover, kicking off with a Festival Welcome event that includes a performance by the Tongan National Conference Choir in collaboration with Leo Tanoi, alongside a Welcome to Country by First Nations artist Uncle Matthew Doyle. This will set the tone for an exciting month of creativity and celebration.

One of the standout features of Tuita’s transformation will be his reimagining of the SS John Oxley, where his signature Tongpop aesthetic will envelop the historic ship, offering a mesmerizing sight for visitors and adding to the artistic vibrancy of the area. Over at Pier 2/3, Tuita will collaborate with Amigo & Amigo to create a colorful and interactive Colour Maze, an engaging and family-friendly installation that will brighten up the wharf and invite people to explore the playful side of art.

The festival’s Moonshine Bar will also be reimagined under Tuita’s artistic direction, providing the perfect pre- and post-show hangout for festival-goers. With its inviting atmosphere, free live music, and DJs every Thursday to Sunday night, it will be a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to soak in the creative energy of the event.

Music, Performance, and Culture

In addition to the immersive visual art experience, The Thirsty Mile will be a hub for live music and performance, ensuring that festivalgoers can enjoy an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. Music consultant Leo Tanoi (aka DJ Black President) will keep the Pacific beats flowing alongside a lineup of talented performers, including Voli K, Thunderfox, Cumbiamuffin, Tijuana Taxi, Foxy Fuzz, and Maggie Tra. The festival will also shine a spotlight on LGBTIAQ+ artists, with performances from PEPTALK, Brendan Maclean, and Mama de Leche, as well as international acts such as Reunion Island’s AURUS and Dizzy Days.

For those looking to dance the night away or experience the dynamic music scene, The Thirsty Mile will deliver an incredible range of performances, bringing together local and international artists to create an unforgettable musical atmosphere.

The Ultimate Festival Experience

With Telly Tuita’s creative vision taking over Walsh Bay’s arts precinct, The Thirsty Mile is shaping up to be one of the standout events of Sydney Festival 2025. Whether you're drawn to the stunning visual art, the electric live performances, or the vibrant community atmosphere, this year’s festival promises to be a truly immersive experience that celebrates the richness of Pacific Islander culture, diversity, and creativity.

From family-friendly activities to late-night performances, The Thirsty Mile is set to be the beating heart of the Sydney Festival. Be sure to visit this bold and colorful arts precinct for an unforgettable journey through art, culture, music, and more.