Emma Pritchard
The 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival may be over, but the phenomenal vibrancy, community spirit, and passionate energy of the 10-day event will continue to blossom forever.
Between October 28 and November 6, 37 festivities were held, more than 50 performers entertained the crowds, and thousands of people, including locals and visitors, came together to help make this year’s festival one of the biggest and most successful in its 88-year history.
It was also the first time the beloved annual event was able to go ahead without restrictions after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the festivals cancellation in 2020 and limited the attractions and activities in 2021.
Jacaranda Thursday drew an enormous crowd to Grafton’s CBD, while the free breakfast hosted by the Clarence Valley Independent and 2GF also welcomed a massive turnout.
A proud celebration of the local Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung communities, the River Dreaming Festival was widely praised by tourists who embraced the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture during their visit to the Jacaranda City.
2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival Guest of Honour Brooke McClymont and her husband Adam Eckersley delivered a scintillating performance on stage in Market Square, and the traditional float procession, proudly sponsored by Newcastle Permanent, was watched by one of the biggest crowds on record.
In a statement released on their Facebook page, the Jacaranda Festival Committee extended their heartfelt appreciation to naming rights sponsor Wesley Mission, local businesses for their generous and ongoing support, the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the festival, the 2022 Jacaranda Royal Party and all 2022 jacaranda candidates, and the Clarence Valley community for proudly sharing the jacaranda spirit with the rest of the country, and the world.
Jacaranda Festival Manager Mark Blackadder said it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves during the festival this year, adding plans for the 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival are already underway.