Maitland Street was transformed into a spectacular light display on Friday evening as NarraBRIGHT returned in its third year.
A crowd estimated in the thousands turned out to soak up the street festival atmosphere.
Light installations were setup along the street and were complemented by chalk art on CBD footpaths and buildings.
Street entertainment and food vendors were among Friday night’s offering.
Some Maitland Street businesses made the most of increased foot traffic and offered late-night shopping while hospitality venues also adapted their services to suit the festival atmosphere.
The evening culminated in the interactive projection show on the Westpac and The Grayhound buildings.
Mayor Ron Campbell officially opened the proceedings and declared the evening a great success.
NarraBRIGHT is a Narrabri Shire Council initiative and has been supported by the NSW government.
“It is great to see the whole community – from across the shire – here at NarraBRIGHT,” Cr Campbell said on Friday evening.
“Welcome to just about the whole community here,” he said, referencing the large crowd which had gathered in Maitland Street for the CBD festivities. “What a fantastic event.”
“NarraBRIGHT is a celebration for the heart of the community,” Cr Campbell told the gathering.
“It’s an opportunity to shine a light on our vibrant, magnificent CBD and the people, the businesses and the organisations that enrich our lives.
“As a community we are fortunate to have such a diverse range of goods and services available to us.
“Narrabri Shire Council will continue to support the growth of our CBD, local businesses and industry more broadly.
“We will continue acknowledging and celebrating our history, embracing the future and moving ahead with the times.”
Cr Campbell paid tribute to the council staff who had worked tirelessly to organise the festivities.
Prior to Cr Campbell’s opening ceremony address, Pattie Lettice provided the welcome to country.
Following the formalities, the projections on the CBD buildings started – a first for Narrabri.
The Grayhound building was illuminated with a magical flight-scape and animations from Gamilaroi Stories – a series of artworks created in collaboration with local school students, Aboriginal Elders and Zest Event International.
The adjacent Westpac branch was also brought to life with a vivid display. Local musicians were also featured throughout the night on the main stage in the middle of Maitland Street.
