Maitland Street to light up on Friday evening as NarraBRIGHT returns

NarraBRIGHT will return to Maitland Street on Friday evening, celebrating Narrabri’s vibrant community, CBD, and businesses.

The street festival, supported by the NSW government’s reconnecting NSW fund, coincides with council’s CREATE Festival.

In its third year, Narrabri’s main street will fill with light, colour, live entertainment and much more.

Building projections from renowned Australian projection company, Illuminart, will appear at the event for the first time.

Two iconic buildings on Maitland Street will come to life through the magic of projection mapping, highlighting the unique architectural features.

The Grayhound building will become a canvas for the artworks created by 14 primary and high schools across the region.

The artwork builds on the motifs and design created for previous NAIDOC celebrations and feature native animals and designs inspired by the local area.

Across the street, the commanding Westpac building will be become a landing strip for feathered friends, with the theme of ‘flight’ taking over the building surface.

Neon installations from celebrated artists Carla O’Brien and Dr Bliss Cavanagh, together with roaming performers and a 3D art trail, will add further life to Maitland Street during the evening.

Drawn from her experience of living with Tourette Syndrome, Bliss is a sensory-based artist with expert design in sensory spaces.

In 2023, NarraBRIGHT will welcome an immersive and magical multisensory experience for people of all ages and abilities.

A trail of mind-bending 3D illustrations will come to life over three big days throughout the Narrabri CBD.

Professional artists from Zest Events International specialise in creative solutions – curating, consulting, and producing art projects, including 3D street art.

Narrabri Shire mayor Ron Campbell has encouraged residents to get out and support the community event.

“Our shire has repeatedly shown us that we can pull off quality events for the whole family, and NarraBRIGHT is no exception,” Cr Campbell said.

“I really encourage our residents to come into Narrabri, watch these artists bring the street to life and engage with all things NarraBRIGHT. It will be a wonderful night for people of all ages and abilities, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to the event.”

What’s on

6pm: Lift off!

• Chalk it up! Kids’ chalk art workshop.

• Sensory garden.

• Solasta kids’ zone.

• Neon lantern workshop.

• Roaming performance – Hula Hooper.

• Food stalls.

• Main stage – Duncan DJs.

6pm – 6.45pm: Barra-gi stage –Kodey Stanford.

7pm – 10pm: Freddy Mercury and Cyndi Lauper stilt walkers and the LED Aliens.

7pm – 7.45pm: Barra-gi stage – local artist.

8pm: Official opening ceremony.

• Acknowledgement of Country – Patty Lettice.

• Official welcome – mayor Ron Campbell.

8.15pm: Building projection mapping feature.

8.30pm – 9.15pm: Barra-gi stage – Corona Stone.

At dusk, watch the street fill with colour as the neon lights come to life!

10pm: Touch down!

10pm: Buses depart for Pilliga/Wee Waa, Boggabri/Baan Baa at Doyle Street bus stop.