As one of Australia's largest arts festivals launches a scaled-down offering to mark its 50th anniversary, the NSW government says it has heavily backed the event.

The 2026 Sydney Festival, the first under artistic director Kris Nelson, will feature a slate of 67 shows and events, with 16 world premieres and 10 free events.

By comparison, the 2025 festival featured 130 shows and events, including 22 world premieres and 50 free arts attractions.

"I can promise you, the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Festival, this is going to be a cracker," NSW Arts Minister John Graham said.

Ahead of the launch event on Thursday, Nelson disagreed January's program was smaller than the previous year.

"I wouldn't call it a reduced program. I mean, it's certainly focused," he said.

"As I understand it,

See Full Page