Emma Pritchard

Country music sensation and proud Graftonian Brooke McClymont loves coming back to her hometown.

After recently being announced as the 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival’s Guest of Honour, the singer-songwriter now has an extra special reason to return to the Clarence Valley later this year.

And she can’t bloody wait.

Describing herself as honoured and excited by her upcoming role, Brooke said she is looking forward to being a part of Australia’s oldest floral festival, joining in with local festivities, especially Jacaranda Thursday, and catching up with her friends and family who still live in the area.

Last weekend, Brooke was ecstatic to visit Grafton for the first time in more than 12 months alongside her husband and musical partner Adam Eckersley as they kicked off their highly anticipated Roll On Baby 2022 tour.

After their first show at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) on February 12 sold out in less than a week, the much-loved duo was more than happy to schedule a second performance at the venue on February 13.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Brooke said she loves every opportunity she has to come home to Grafton and is stoked to be the 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival’s Guest of Honour.

“I love Grafton, and to be invited home as the Guest of Honour this year, it’s amazing,” she said happily.

“It was a ripper decision,” husband Adam added proudly.

Brooke’s role as the 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival’s Guest of Honour will include performing a free community concert with Adam and their incredible band on Jacaranda Thursday in Market Square.

“I seriously can’t wait,” she said.

“Grafton has such a positive vibe, and I hope everyone comes along and has a great time.”

Festival Manager Mark Blackadder said the Festival Committee were thrilled when Brooke jovially accepted the role.

“She’s a great supporter of the community,” he said, acknowledging the recent exposure Brooke gave to the Grafton Base Hospital’s Children and Adolescent Care Unit while appearing on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

“Brooke is a Grafton girl and has a long history with the Jacaranda Festival, including her sister Samantha who was Jacaranda Queen in 2004 and Guest of Honour in 2019, so she knows how important this is for us,” he said.

The 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival will be held from October 28 to November 6 and will include an exciting program of art and entertainment.
Please visit www.jacarandafestival.com for further information and event updates.