Grafton Jacaranda Festival moves date over safety and access concerns

This year’s Grafton Jacaranda Festival has moved its dates due to the current COVID concerns and to allow for the whole community to attend.

It will be moved back to commence on Friday 3 December for its 10-day program.

Festival Manager Mark Blackadder said the Committee decided due to concerns about the number of infections in Grafton and the 1 December date which will allow all people to attend, it was the right decision to make.

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“It’s unfortunate we find ourselves in this situation, but with the number of infectious people increasing daily, we have no option but to do our part to keep the community safe,” he said.

“As Market Square has been designated a major recreational outdoor facility, we were also expecting no restrictions on who could attend, but the double-vax rule has since meant many who haven’t been fully vaccinated won’t be able to.

“Moving the Festival five weeks back will alleviate both these issues and enable us to keep the tradition of the Festival very much alive.”

Some events will keep their original dates due to programming requirements while the bulk of the Festival will move to early December.

“Jacaranda Season will still be celebrated including the GO PURPLE campaign for all businesses to participate and join in the fun of Spot the Kewpie, JACA HQ will open as normal from this Saturday, and ILLUMINATE See Park will still be activated,” Mr Blackadder said.

“All planned bus tours and walking tours will take place as normal, however we’ve had to keep a few of the events to their original dates as they involve touring artists who can’t change their schedule.

“The Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley concert will stay the same date but move to the Saraton Theatre, as will the 18+ Bob Downe & Briefs Dirty Laundry show, while Briefs Bearded Bingo + Bob Downe will be at a new venue.

“We will still have a very full program with all other events moving back, and the Jacaranda Queen Crowning starting the Festival on Friday 3 December.”

Details on the new program will be finalised in the coming days with updates available on the Jacaranda Festival website www.jacarandafestival.com.