The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is usually the busiest weekend of the festival. There are fears that, left unchecked, crowds could reach a crisis point similar to 2016 when sustained wet weather led to crushes at Circular Quay once the skies cleared.

More than two million people visited Vivid in 2017.

Destination NSW, which runs the event, has released drone footage above the Vivid lights so people can get the same experience at home. They have also urged Vivid-goers to spread beyond the Opera House and Harbour Bridge this public holiday weekend and visit other parts of the city that are taking part in the festival.

With a gap in the clouds, Vivid organisers have said a one-way queuing system will be extended to be in place on Monday night. The system has been in place for Friday-Sunday nights during the festival.

A similar one-way system on the opening weekend left festival goers exasperated as they were funnelled blocks away from where they wanted to go to and hemmed into side streets when trying to leave Vivid or wander between precincts.

Nevertheless, crowd control experts have said one-way systems are the safest way to deal with large crowds.

Organisers have encouraged people to visit before the rain comes back again, but have said they want them to be aware it will be busy.

“With the weather easing it’s the perfect opportunity to experience Vivid Sydney at its best,” said NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall.

“We’d encourage you to plan your trip and be mindful that the long weekend is always a popular time to experience Vivid Sydney. Make sure you take advantage of the extra 6000 public transport services and allow plenty of time to get around the one-way flow in place through The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney from Friday through to Monday,” Mr Marshall said.

For the first time, Vivid has employed drones to get spectacular shots of the light shows from far above the madding crowd.

Unencumbered by prams or tripods, the footage means people can get a clear view of highlights, including the Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House projections.

“The drone footage provides a new perspective and allows people to appreciate the size, scale and spectacle of Vivid Sydney,” said Mr Marshall.

“Beyond Circular Quay, there’s plenty to see and do at other Vivid Sydney precincts.

“The Liminal Hour at Barangaroo features an enchanting performance from a six-metre tall puppet which is controlled by nine puppeteers and roams among visitors on Wulugul Walk, Darling Harbour where you will be transformed beneath our deep blue ocean.

“Ride one of our largest light installations on the Ferris Wheel at Luna Park and take in the sensational view of the Sydney Opera House or head to Chatswood for suburban fun and food or Taronga Zoo’s amazing collection of animal light sculptures.”