Police have recovered the body of a man they believe fell into Darling Harbour last night while he was watching Sydney’s Vivid festival.

It is believed the man was sitting on a pier watching with two friends when he fell into the water just before 11:00pm.

His friends jumped into the water but were unable to find the man, who is believed to be in his 30s.

Acting Inspector Christopher Breed says police launched a full-scale search.

“It became apparent that he wasn’t above the water and police divers were called in,” he said.

“[At] approximately 1:30am, police located the body of the male.”