The Grafton Jacaranda Festival was awarded silver in the highly competitive Festival/Event of the Year category at the prestigious 2024 North Coast Tourism Awards, held in Port Macquarie on August 1.

Sharing their success with their followers on social media, the Jacaranda Festival Committee described the incredible achievement as a testament to the hard work and dedication of their entire team, adding they couldn’t be prouder of everyone who contributed to making the Grafton Jacaranda Festival a truly remarkable event each year.

After winning bronze at the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards in the Festival/Event of the Year category, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival continues to go from strength to strength and attracts thousands of visitors to the Clarence Valley each year while the famous jacaranda trees which line the streets of Grafton erupt in a spectacular display of bright purple blossoms.

While acknowledging their many sponsors, the hard-working volunteers, performers, vendors, and attendees who have supported the Grafton Jacaranda Festival over the years, members of the Jacaranda Festival Committee said their most recent accolade wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and enthusiasm of their local community.

They also extended their congratulations to Bluesfest Byron Bay who took home the gold and celebrated back-to-back wins in the Festival/Event of the Year category which recognises tourism leisure festivals, events, and exhibitions that enhance the profile of and raise awareness and appeal of the destination they are held in as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation, and community involvement.

Members of the Jacaranda Festival Committee said they would cherish the special moment while work towards continuing to make the Grafton Jacaranda Festival an unforgettable experience for years to come.

• The Grafton Jacaranda Festival, the oldest floral festival in Australia, will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2024. The Clarence Valley Independent is looking forward to working with the Jacaranda Festival Committee over the coming months as we commemorate this outstanding milestone. The 2024 Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from October 25 until November 3.