Sydney just needs to find its identity following the lockout laws

Imagine this, you're at uni and all you've ever known is drinking, it's all that your mates have ever done so when the state government makes it harder for you, you begin to revolt and get annoyed because you believe that there is nothing to do at night time.

That's fair enough, but the problem is that it ignores something else, and don't get me wrong, I'll just state here and now that I am actually the first person to flout the liquor laws on New Year's Eve. I don't cause trouble with my mates though. We're always well behaved and if there's kids nearby then we tone it down a bit. That's just considerate.

So here's the issue, there are a bunch of journalists running around saying that Sydney is dead and that it's got no soul. They're saying that people in Sydney have nothing to do and that we're an embarrassment. This is despite us putting on the best New Year's Eve show IN THE WORLD. That's right. IN THE WORLD. Nobody beats us at New Year's Eve, mind you the Opera House and Harbour Bridge certainly help with that.

The thing is every city has things to do if you look and they do not necessarily just need to revolve around drinking like some people seem to think. Here's a list I have taken the liberty of compiling to show that Sydney is still a vibrant city.

1 - See a live local or international band

If you have been following my blog (as about 20 of you have regularly been doing) then you would know that I attend A LOT of shows and that number is going to get absolutely massive. This year I am seeing Radnor and Lee, Radnor and Lee (no that's not a typo, I'm seeing them in both Sydney and Melbourne), Celine Dion, Pink, Katy Perry, Kesha, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain, and that is after already seeing Alanis Morissette, Robbie Williams, Lana Del Ray and Sheryl Crow & Melissa Etheridge. It also doesn't even factor in that there are so many other shows on this year including Simple Plan (which I'm tossing up - I saw them back in 2005 in Auckland when they played the North Shore Events Centre with Green Day) and Aussie artists Missy Higgins and Vance Joy along with a myriad of others. If music is your gig then you will be sure to have a lot of fun because so many artists are stopping by Sydney this year. Basically if a band or singer is coming downunder you can bet that they're gonna come to Sydney.

2 - Go to the theatre

Sydney seems to be a city that's forgotten that culture comes in many shapes and forms and it's not just about drinking. You could go to a theatrical performance. If you like musicals then check out the Lyric Theatre, State Theatre, Enmore Theatre (although this is mostly used as a music venue) or the Capitol Theatre. There are shows that run all year round and no matter what genre you like there is bound to be an act that will thrill and excite you so check out the usual ticketing sites and find out what's on in Sydney.

3 - BE IN a show or start a band

If you have a musical talent or you like being in front of the camera or on stage then why not start a band yourself and play some gigs? There's literally nothing stopping you and if you're good enough then maybe one day journalists will credit you as reviving Sydney's nightlife and music scene (that's another blog all together though) and that would be pretty awesome. You may even find that you do so well that you are in demand to play shows every weekend. Turn that hobby into a realistic career choice.

4 - Go to a comedy show

So you think you're quite funny do you? Or maybe you don't but you want to hear other people tell jokes? Well then. Spend the money and go to a comedy gig. Support your local artists and the industry. If people spend money in the industry then it encourages others to get out there and perform, and that means there will be much more choice than there currently is, although there are a lot of Aussie and international comedians coming to town. Book your ticket and have a laugh. This city is serious enough with house prices. We need to find a way to laugh. Maybe I should do a comedy gig (yeah nah, comedy's not my thing, but music and acting are).

5 - Go to the footy or cricket

Okay it's probably still a sore topic for us Sydneysiders given the recent ball tampering debacle with Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft but if you enjoy sport then go to a game. Don't just sit at home watching it on TV then whinge about the state government investing in sports and entertainment venues. Actually take advantage of the improved facilities and have a night out. There's no way you should be stuck at home, and if you really enjoy your sport then join a local sports club and play sports in the evenings and weekends. You'll also find that you meet more people, most of whom will share similar interests to you.

6 - Attend the movies

You may not want to spend a lot of money and that's all good. Go to the movies then. Take a few hours and see your favourite actor on the big screen. Get lost in the plot and take some time out. Again, the more people actually go out the better it will be for all businesses but if people are staying home then why would venues stay open? That would just waste their money.

7 - Go out to dinner

Most people can't be bothered cooking so instead of using one of the food delivery apps, head along to a restaurant. Make a night of it. Support local business, and catch up with friends. You'll find that you notice just how awesome Sydney actually is and that there is plenty to do if you look for it. Again, just like going to the movies, the more people go out the better it is for the city because businesses will be encouraged to stay open but if everyone is staying at home then businesses simply won't open.

These are just a few of the many things that people can actually do in Sydney if they are really bored at home. The city does not just require people to drink, though I have to say this, and I hate saying this because I love Sydney but if people just wanna go out and drink or stay at home then not only does Sydney have a nightlife problem and an identity crisis, it also has a lack of culture and Melbourne takes the lead.

Culture doesn't just happen if people keep to themselves and live in their little bubbles (that's yet another blog) without engaging or participating in activities in the city.

Sydney has so much to offer and you just have to look for it or genuinely want to find it and if you're worried about doing these things alone then who cares? Just do it. You may find that you end up meeting awesome people who share your interests and will make the city better because they'll want to join you when you do all of these things.

Sydney isn't the problem, it's people's mindsets that are the issue and people need to stop living in bubbles and pay attention to what's around them because if they don't they'll miss out on a heap of awesome experiences.

The city needs to find out who it is outside of drinking and nightclubbing. They're not the only options.