The Narrabri CBD was aglow with spectacular light displays as NarraBRIGHT marked a triumphant return in its sixth year.
This year’s street festival again drew a massive crowd estimated in the thousands and featured an extended footprint, expanding from Maitland Street and across to the Narrabri Creek Parklands.
Fluorescent displays were scattered throughout Maitland Street and under the Narrabri Creek bridge.
Light installations were also installed in seating areas along Maitland Street, through Collins Park and along the shared pathway towards The Crossing Theatre.
During the official opening of the festivities, mayor Darrell Tiemens said council staff as well as festival contractors had created a magical world, in keeping with this year’s ‘fantasy’ theme, for the benefit of event-goers.
“Providing free community events that bring our community, residents, businesses, and community groups alike, together is very important to council,” Cr Tiemens said.
“This year we have been able to substantially increase the size of NarraBRIGHT thanks to funding from the NSW government’s Open Streets Program.”
Cr Tiemens also reflected on the growth of the street festival since it started six years ago.
The mayor also heaped praise on the local businesses that get behind the event.
Prior to the mayor’s speech, council’s general manager Eloise Chaplain also addressed the gathering from the main stage on Maitland Street while Eddie Trindall delivered the welcome to country.
To officially kick start the festivities, Cr Tiemens invited Member for Barwon Roy Butler to the stage.
Mr Butler said the NarraBRIGHT festival was a great opportunity for people to come together.
“This is the sort of thing that impresses and improves the liveability of our communities,” he said.
“I’m really happy that the state government has seen fit to support it. I really hope that this is just one of many, many, many NarraBRIGHTS.”
Mr Butler also offered his congratulations to Cr Tiemens and Narrabri Shire Council, particularly highlighting small business liaison Gillian Goddard’s involvement in the celebration.
“It’s really great to see so many people turn out,” he said.
