Inspired by the Nambucca Valley Youth Speak Project, Nambucca Valley Council and others secured funding and made the large youth-focused outdoor festival happen in just a little over three months.

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“We asked ourselves: ‘How can we light a little flame for local youth?’,” event organiser Joel Grimson of Good Crew events planning told NOTA as he packed the final pieces away in trucks on Monday morning after the festival.

The final result involved a host of local young talent performing, designing, organising and setting up for the collaborative event, facilitated by Nambucca Valley Council.

With a grant of around $145,000 from Transport for NSW, the river end of Princess and River streets and a laneway were closed off to set up two large stages.

Performances were run continuously from 2pm at these two venues, beginning with a showcase of local youth performers on the Lane Stage and Alicia Parry on the Main Stage.

Other performers through the afternoon and evening included Indigenous Bowraville band Jumbaal Dreamin’, Mastersonics, Blind Pretty, Robby T and The Messages, and Burger Joint before a fireworks show at 8pm.

According to Joel, the unusual line-up of creative activities came into existence after workshops were held to find out what young people would like to see more of.

There was a sewing tent where three sewing machines were set-up and participants were encouraged to grab an old curtain and create something new, pottery and jewellery making, outdoor chess, a silent disco, hip hop dance workshops, a parade and more.

Young performers circulated in fancy costumes and the usually quiet streets of Macksville were buzzing with music, noise, laughter and activity.

Onlookers sat at the many assembled tables, chairs or even on sofas to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

In the end, organisers said 22 young people aged between 12 and 19 were part of the organising team, with more involved in performances.

The project began with forums and then an online “Get involved campaign”.

“We had weekly zoom meetings and tried to give the young people a real taste of how it is to create and deliver a large event,” Mr Grimson said.

Both Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and Council GM Bede Spannagle were in attendance, telling NOTA they were thrilled with the outcome.

“I’m extremely pleased with the success of the Open Streets Festival in Macksville last Saturday,” Mr Spannagle said in a statement.

“It was well organised and went off smoothly.”

He jokingly credited the perfect weather on the day to the efforts of Council’s Community Development Officer, Jocelyn Box.

“There was a vibrant, positive mood right up to the fireworks finale,” Mr Spannagle added.

By Ned COWIE