Hundreds of admiring spectators gathered beneath the glowing purple petals of the jacaranda trees in See Park, Grafton, on October 20, for the opening night of Illuminate Jacaranda.

While a number of food vendors lined up along Garden Street and performances by talented band ‘McKenzie’ and dancers from ‘Ashley Albert Performing Arts’ entertained the crowd, many commented on the ambience of the occasion.

Adelaide couple Paul Darby and Cherie Goodwin told the Clarence Valley Independent they had been planning their return visit to Grafton for the annual Jacaranda Festival since 2018 and agreed Illuminate Jacaranda outshone their expectations.

“It was a stunning way to show off the beauty of the jacaranda trees,” Ms Goodwin said.

“We loved the live music and watching the dancers perform, and the whole of See Park was encased in such a warm, community orientated vibe.

“We absolutely loved everything about it.”

2023 Jacaranda candidate Talissa “Tilly” Sparrow said it was fantastic to welcome such a large crowd to See Park, adding it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Illuminate Jacaranda will run until November 10 with more than 120 spotlights lighting up the jacaranda trees in See Park from 7:30-10:30pm.

There will also be live entertainment between 6:30-8:30pm on most nights during Illuminate Jacaranda.

To view the latest program and performance schedule, please visit www.jacarandafestival.com.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 25 October 2023.