Macleay Youth Laneway Festival ‘23 officially a SUCCESS!

Published on 26 April 2023

Thousands of visitors filed down Kempsey's now infamous laneways to celebrate the town’s first Laneway Festival as part of this year’s Youth Week celebrations.

Council’s Community Projects Officer Aisha Spokes praised everyone involved for the resounding success and hopes it will become an annual festival.

“The street performers, musicians, visual artists, local businesses, and a convoy of food trucks created an atmosphere the CBD hasn’t seen in years.

“The feedback has been resoundingly positive, and several local business owners were overwhelmed by the number of visitors it brought through their doors.”

More than 2500 festival goers enjoyed an immersive experience centred around the newly revitalised Savages and Elringtons lanes in Kempsey’s CBD.

Council’s General Manager Craig Milburn said the laneway art is first class and shows the community what can be achieved when we all work together.

“What an event! The number of people and diversity of the community who attended highlighted how our community values young people and what they contribute.”

Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

The week showcased local talent in a youth food cook-off, aerial arts performance, saw young artists finishing murals and young people running their own market stalls.

Council would like to thank the NSW State Government, Office of Regional Youth, Autumn Holiday Break Program and Community Housing Limited for their support.

Find out what other Council events are happening at ksc.pub/councilevents