Royal Drama at Sydney Opera House after Refusal to Light Up Sails for King’s Coronation

THE GUARDIAN: Government argues the financial burden would have been significant if the projection had gone ahead

The government of New South Wales has said it costs up to $100,000 to light up sails of the Sydney Opera House, as it defends scrapping plans to do so for the coronation. Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters
A decision to scrap plans to light the sails of the Sydney Opera House in honour of the coronation of King Charles has been defended by the premier of the state of New South Wales, Chris Minns.

The famous sails of the Opera House are often lit for major events in Australia, including for a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after she died and a controversial projection promoting a horse race.

But Saturday’s coronation did not make the cut, with the recently elected Labor government in the state reversing its predecessor’s decision to do so. » | Jordyn Beazley | Monday, May 8, 2023