The Macleay River Festival organiser said she noticed the river had ‘extra sparkle’ the day after the event, which was held on Saturday September 24.

“The river has more sparkle because it’s been paid homage to,” she said. “We noticed it on Sunday when we were packing up!”

Ms Lines said she ‘couldn’t be happier’ with the outcome of the festival, which attracted an estimated crowd of over 3000.

“It was absolutely thronging with people,” she said. “It was nice to see everyone hanging out together, with everyone smiling – from babies to oldies.”

Ms Lines said a highlight was the hip hop performance from local kids who participated in a workshop to create their own songs and dances before the event.

“I was nearly crying, I was so proud,” she said. “The recycled art and workshops were also a hit with crowds and the fire show and floating lanterns at the end were beautiful.”

Ms Lines said that comments had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Some of the performing artists told me this was the best community festival they’d ever been to,” she said. “They’re taking some of our ideas back to their own community festivals.”