1985

The tenth anniversary of the Festival of Sydney saw the expansion of already successful program elements. An exciting array of activities took over Hyde Park, including exhibitions, food stalls, craft workshops, music, street theatre, clowns and buskers. The Martin Place Amphitheatre hosted live music, dance, mime and magic throughout the Festival period, and the Domain was again home to free jazz, opera and classical music concerts.

Perhaps the most memorable occurrence at the Festival of Sydney 1984 was the sinking of the ferry Karrabbee after the Australia Day Ferrython. Having completed the race in third place, with its hull dangerously low, it made it back to Circular Quay just in time. Moments after passengers had disembarked, the ferry sank into the Harbour. Recovery efforts lasted a whole week.