Jacaranda Thursday public holiday going ahead in Grafton

Festival organisers have been feverishly working behind the scenes to rescue one of Grafton’s favourite public holidays, with a final decision made this week.

Staff at I Scream get into the jacaranda spirit in Prince St, Grafton, during last year’s festival,

It’s official. The Jaca Thursday half-day holiday is set to still go ahead - even if it means waiting a few weeks more.

Festival organisers have confirmed that the new date for the public holiday will be moved to Thursday, December 9, to coincide with the event’s new dates.

Festival manager Mark Blackadder said the request was made to Clarence Valley Council, with councillors approving the application in their monthly meeting on Tuesday.

It was then referred to the Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, Don Harwin.

Jacaranda Thursday 2

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Mr Blackadder said it made sense to move the half-day holiday to the new date.

“We can’t thank council enough for helping make this happen, as well as the assistance of our local member Chris Gulaptis, as it will ensure the flow and tradition of the festival remains intact,” he said.

The Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley concert, one of two events that couldn’t be moved to the new festival dates, goes ahead this Sunday at the Saraton Theatre with limited tickets still available.