New date for CREATE Festival

Narrabri Shire’s annual CREATE Festival will shift to a new date from 2026, this year being held in October.

Councillors received the latest report from the festival committee at last month’s ordinary meeting.

Elected members noted the committee’s decision to hold the festival from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 18, and to adopt ‘Water’ as the theme.

The change of date will also separate CREATE and the NarraBRIGHT street festival which have been linked in previous years.

Since the establishment of CREATE in 2021, both events have continued to expand and forged unique individual identities.

Cr Brett Nolan moved to receive the CREATE report and to note the decision to hold the festival at a different time of year.

This was seconded by Cr Ethan Towns.

Cr Towns welcomed news of the committee working together towards the goal of continuing the festival.

“We know it’s very well received in the community, and it’s important to have these type of things in our shire,” Cr Towns said.

“Giving back to the people, especially the artists, around this area is very important. Especially when we’re in a very small, connected community.

“It’s great to see that this is going ahead,” Cr Towns told the meeting.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens reiterated Cr Towns’ endorsement of the CREATE plans for this year.

“We’ve had a number of meetings that I’ve attended as well, and it’s been really satisfying.

“I certainly think it’s great that we’re back on track.”