Main streets across the Clarence Valley are set to be filled with revellers, with more street events planned following the success of the first-ever "Prince Street Marketta" in 2023, which attracted over 5,000 visitors to Grafton's CBD for an afternoon of enticing local and international street foods and a packed schedule of live entertainment by local performers.
Clarence Valley Council has received $150,000 under the NSW Government's Open Streets Program to bring another five free community events to Grafton, South Grafton, Ulmarra, Wooli, and Maclean in 2024. The first event for 2024, Prince Street Marketta, saw Prince Street in Grafton transformed again into a stage for street food and entertainment last month.
This funding will be dedicated to transforming our town's main streets into festive community events with great street food, outdoor dining, live entertainment from a range of fantastic performers, and fun activities for the kids.
Clarence Valley Council's General Manager, Laura Black, said she could not wait to bring more exciting events to towns and villages that would help reinvigorate main streets and boost local businesses.
"The Prince Street Marketta was a huge success, and it's exciting to bring similar events, each with their own unique flavour to other towns and villages in the Clarence Valley," Ms. Black said.
"Our streets are key public spaces that play a critical role not only in transportation but also in supporting local businesses by providing attractive, safe, and convenient access for all who visit our central business districts to catch up with family and friends or shop and dine.
We want people to get out into their local neighbourhoods and CBDs to enjoy local goods, services, and activities."
Minister for Roads, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:
"We're excited to support these events in Clarence Valley.
"Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our streets are a critical part of our public and social infrastructure. Great streets make great towns and centres and reflect the local community and culture.
"The Open Streets program is about temporarily transforming our main streets into vibrant and welcoming public event spaces.
"The colour and diversity of these 130 events celebrates the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about, backing locals to create events and entertainment that works for their local community."
Keep your eye on Council's website and social media channels for more details on upcoming events.
