The beauty of nature set to light the way at NarraBRIGHT in 2027

Nature will be in the spotlight when NarraBRIGHT returns to Narrabri on Friday, 9 April 2027, transforming the Narrabri Creek Pathway into an immersive illuminated experience inspired by the natural world.

Narrabri Shire Council has announced ‘nature’ as the official theme for NarraBRIGHT 2027, inviting residents and visitors to explore a vibrant after-dark celebration of light, creativity and community connection.

The event will showcase large-scale light installations, interactive displays and artistic experiences inspired by the landscapes, waterways, flora and fauna that make the Narrabri region unique.

NSC mayor Darrell Tiemens, NSC general manager Eloise Chaplain and NSC small business liaison officer and NarraBRIGHT event manager Gillian Goddard held a press conference last week at the Narrabri Creek Pathway to unveil the 2027 theme, date and location.

“Nature is at the heart of our community and our region, making it the perfect inspiration for NarraBRIGHT 2027,” Ms Goddard said.

She said the ‘nature’ theme provides an opportunity to celebrate the region’s natural assets in a creative and engaging way.

“The Narrabri Creek Pathway provides a beautiful setting for this year’s event and allows us to create an immersive experience that guides visitors through a series of illuminated installations and creative activations inspired by the environment around us.”

Pictured at the 2026 NarraBRIGHT festival, Lucy, Waldo and Georgie Watson.

Building on community feedback received following previous events, NarraBRIGHT 2027 will feature a refined event footprint focused primarily on the Narrabri Creek Pathway.

Unlike previous years, NSC said Maitland Street will remain open, with only small sections of Tibbereena and Dewhurst Street closed for the event.

Ms Goddard said the revised layout would create a more concentrated visitor experience while minimising impacts on the broader community.

“Community feedback plays an important role in how NarraBRIGHT continues to evolve. This year’s layout responds to that feedback by focusing activity along the creek pathway while allowing businesses and residents road access to Maitland Street during the event,” she said.

Local businesses and hospitality activation throughout Maitland Street will play a major role in the event, with a rejuvenated approach focusing on supporting activities across venues and local businesses, including outdoor dining, explained Ms Goddard.

Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens, NSC general manager Eloise Chaplain and NSC small business liaison officer and NarraBRIGHT event manager Gillian Goddard. The three council representatives held a press conference last week at the Narrabri Creek Pathway; the area is set to be transformed into an immersive illuminated experience, inspired by the natural world, when NarraBRIGHT returns to Narrabri on Friday, 9 April 2027.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said NarraBRIGHT continues to grow as one of the region’s most anticipated community events.

“NarraBRIGHT is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and showcase everything that makes Narrabri special,” Cr Tiemens said.

“I think what NarrabriBRIGHT does is really shine a light on what is a wonderful town, and a wonderful community, and a wonderful shire,” he added.

“The event creates a fantastic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, supports local businesses and encourages people to experience our town in a new and exciting way.

“Each year NarraBRIGHT attracts people from across the region and beyond, helping strengthen community pride while delivering positive economic benefits for our local businesses and hospitality sector.”

In response to a discussion that mentioned Vivid Sydney, the city’s annual festival of light, Cr Tiemens added NarrabriBRIGHT was “just a wonderful treat; it is a bit like a ‘mini Vivid’. I personally think it’s better than Vivid because ….it’s done with a lot of local involvement. It’s about the local community showing off why Narrabri is such a special place.”