Narrabri Shire Council is excited to announce that NarraBRIGHT will return on Friday, 10 April 2026, bigger and brighter than ever, thanks to $350,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program.
The three-year funding commitment will support the expansion of NarraBRIGHT into one of the region’s premier light, art, and community events. The event footprint will grow to Collins Park in 2026 and will connect all the way to the Crossing Theatre via an illuminated trail along the Narrabri Creek Pathway.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the funding provides certainty and growth opportunities for the much-loved event.
“NarraBRIGHT has captured the hearts of our community and visitors, and this support will allow us to take it to the next level. With a staged expansion over three years, we can deliver a high-quality event that grows sustainably, supports local businesses, and celebrates the creativity and culture of Narrabri,” Mayor Tiemens said.
With this expansion, NarraBRIGHT will now stand on its own as a flagship event for Narrabri, complementing other community events throughout the year rather than being tied to CREATE.
Council’s Small Business Liaison Officer and NarraBRIGHT Event Manager, Gillian Goddard, said the April timing will make the event even more enjoyable.
“Hosting NarraBRIGHT in April means our community and visitors can experience the lights for longer, while the expansion will create more opportunities for businesses, artists and community groups to be involved. The staged growth will help activate our CBD and public spaces year after year,” Ms Goddard said.
The expanded program will continue to feature inclusive and accessible elements such as sensory-friendly areas, as well as vibrant performances, outdoor dining, late-night shopping, and community-designed light installations.
NarraBRIGHT is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Council received a $350,000 grant through the program to fund the event over three years.
NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said it’s exciting to support NarraBRIGHT in Narrabri.
“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our main streets are a critical part of our social infrastructure, and this program demonstrates how we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses,” Minister Graham said.
“The Open Streets program temporarily transforms our main streets into thriving, vibrant public event spaces.
“The colour and diversity of these 240 events across NSW celebrate 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.”
More information about the Open Streets Program can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets.
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