Live ‘n’ Loud had its most successful year on record with more than 300 people attending the Clarence Valley Youth Week event at Grafton Library.

Live ‘n’ Loud 2022 on April 7 featured performances from an array of the region’s up and coming musical talent.

Attendance was up by 100 on last year and shows how much Clarence Valley’s youth enjoyed rocking out in the library’s undercover carpark.

“What an awesome night, and counting down ‘til next year’s event already,” Clarence Regional Library Regional Librarian Kathryn Breward said.

“All those young musos out there should get practicing now and put their hand up when next year’s expression of interest is released. There are plenty of music fans in the Clarence Valley who want to hear from you.”

Following a traditional welcome to Bundjalung Country by Uncle Ken Gordon and proud Bundjalung youth Lennox Monaghan, the featured artists for Live ‘n’ Loud 2022 included Ellie Metcalfe, Brooklyn Paget, Purple Disturbance, Killswitch, The Enns of the Earth, Ariel Ivy and PVCS (Pacific Valley Christian School).

“There was so much great feedback from everyone,” CVC Community Services Development Officer Allira Newton said.

“We enjoyed great performances from all the bands, duos and soloists, plus a bunch of other activities aimed at engaging youth including a handball competition, driving simulator, bees wax making workshop and plenty of giveaways.

“In total 315 people joined in the festivities of the family-friendly free event with a big mix of ages represented, which is what it’s all about – getting the whole community to come along and celebrate young people.

“One of the highlights was a really huge rendition of the Macarena and Nutbush.”

View all the photos from Live ‘n’ Loud 2022 on Clarence Regional Library’s flickr page.

And check out this video taken on the night of a incredible drum solo from band Killswitch.

Many other Clarence Valley Youth Week events have had to be postponed due to the floods and wet weather, including the Colour Fun Run at Jabour Park, which will now be held from 9am to 12pm on Sunday, May 22.

Check out all the latest Youth Week news and updates on the Clarence Valley Youth Facebook page.

Council has also organised a bunch of activities during both weeks of the school holidays as part of the Clarence Youth School Holiday Program (see attached flyer for Week 2 events).

Live ‘n’ Loud 2022 was an official event of the 2022 Plunge Festival. Check out the full program for the month-long festival here.

Live ‘n’ Loud is a collaboration between Clarence Regional Library and Clarence Valley Council’s Community Development team, with support from a range of community partners including Country University Centre (CUC), North East Waste (NE Waste), Clarence Valley Youth Hubs, Changing Lanes Changing Lives, Clarence Regional Library’s Mobile Library, Clarence Valley Culture, Grafton headspace and Grafton Midday Rotary who kept guests fed with a stellar sausage sizzle.

Live ‘n’ Loud 2022 images courtesy of Simon Hughes Photography.