Thousands turn out for Narrabri’s Christmas street carnival

Organisers of the Christmas Street Carnival have declared Friday night’s festivities a success, with the crowd estimated between 2500 and 3000 people.

Maitland Street was full to the brim with festive cheer, with a variety of entertainment and activities on offer.

Local businesses embraced the opportunity to offer late-night shopping to carnival-goers.

Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart praised the community’s support of the festive event.

“We’ve had nothing but great feedback about the carnival,” Mr Stewart said. “Our retailers are reporting very good trade.”

Mr Stewart praised the support of Whitehaven Coal in ensuring the carnival can continue to offer entertainment and activities for all of the family to enjoy.

“The rides for the children make it a better event,” he said.

“That wouldn’t happen without the support of Whitehaven Coal.”

Mr Stewart also thanked Narrabri Shire Council, which contributed to the success of Friday night’s festivities, along with the NSW Government through the Community Events Program grant fund.

He thanked Narrabri Shire Council for the working relationship with this year’s carnival.

“We’re very appreciative of Gilly Goddard [council’s small business liaison officer] for her help,” Mr Stewart said.

“We have been very fortunate for the sponsorship we have received.”

Mr Stewart said the chamber is proud to facilitate the street carnival so it can be enjoyed by the entire community.

“That is chamber’s commitment to the community,” he said.

“We understand very well that our future lies in the hands of our young people and families.”

Following a well-earned rest during the Christmas period, the street carnival organisers will reconvene in the new year for a debrief on last week’s event.

“We will see what we can do to make it bigger and better again next year,” Mr Stewart said.

In addition to the festivities, carnival-goers were able to enjoy the array of street decorations provided by council and the Christmas tree provided by chamber.

Mr Stewart made particular mention of the Gale family for its extraordinary work with the Maitland Street Christmas tree.