Grafton Jacaranda Festival photo competition

1 of 18, 'Relaxing Jacaranda Afternoon' by Matt Hylton-Cummins is the winner of our Jacaranda Festival Photograph Competition.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:45:56 +1100

'Relaxing Jacaranda Afternoon' by Matt Hylton-Cummins is the winner of our Jacaranda Festival Photograph Competition. Photo: Matt Hylton-Cummins.

2 of 18, JoJo Newby's photo of Grafton's Town Crier, Roy Bowling, lending a hand to push a young girl's pram during the festival, is the second prize winner of our Jacaranda Festival Photo Competition.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:11:01 +1100

JoJo Newby's photo of Grafton's Town Crier, Roy Bowling, lending a hand to push a young girl's pram during the festival, is the second prize winner of our Jacaranda Festival Photo Competition. Photo: JoJo Newby.

3 of 18, Linda Duckworth's atmospheric image was taken on the night Grafton's new Queen of the Jacarandas was crowned for 2009. Linda's shot is third prize winner in our Jacaranda Festival Photo Competition.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:03:50 +1100

Linda Duckworth's atmospheric image was taken on the night Grafton's new Queen of the Jacarandas was crowned for 2009. Linda's shot is third prize winner in our Jacaranda Festival Photo Competition. Photo: Linda Duckworth.

4 of 18, "Just a dash of purple" at this time of the year is so refreshing.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:41:56 +1100

"Just a dash of purple" at this time of the year is so refreshing. Photo: Sue Day.

5 of 18, Just a dash of purple.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:43:58 +1100

Just a dash of purple. Photo: Sue Day.

6 of 18, Jarvis @ Queen Crowning 09

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:48:11 +1100

Jarvis @ Queen Crowning 09 Photo: Lisa McPhee.

7 of 18, Jacaranda Sunset

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:51:11 +1100

Jacaranda Sunset Photo: Lisa McPhee.

8 of 18, Jacaranda Avenue in Grafton. Each year, the city of Grafton blooms in an explosion of purple for the annual Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:52:57 +1100

Jacaranda Avenue in Grafton. Each year, the city of Grafton blooms in an explosion of purple for the annual Grafton Jacaranda Festival. Photo: Pat Riordan.

9 of 18, I think the essence of Jacaranda Festival is the coming together of the community. It always amazes me how the people of Grafton join together with community spirit, especially at the crowning and mingle together and catch up with old friends. With the purple haze of the Jacaranda Trees, as night falls you can feel the excitement in the air as the crowning begins. I love Jacaranda and will always be there to capture that essence on camera for future generations to see.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:00:09 +1100

I think the essence of Jacaranda Festival is the coming together of the community. It always amazes me how the people of Grafton join together with community spirit, especially at the crowning and mingle together and catch up with old friends. With the purple haze of the Jacaranda Trees, as night falls you can feel the excitement in the air as the crowning begins. I love Jacaranda and will always be there to capture that essence on camera for future generations to see. Photo: Nick Duckworth.

10 of 18, "totally serious FUN" THATS JACA!

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:53:56 +1100

"totally serious FUN" THATS JACA! Photo: Victor Pashkevich.

11 of 18, Jacaranda is the only day of the year that you can dress up like a purple flower, wear a mankini, or scream when the ferris wheel rocks in the breeze- and not be judged or frowned upon.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:05:21 +1100

Jacaranda is the only day of the year that you can dress up like a purple flower, wear a mankini, or scream when the ferris wheel rocks in the breeze- and not be judged or frowned upon. Photo: Tracey Rodda.

12 of 18, The spirit of Jacaranda for kids- shaving cream, water bombs, and colourful dye. Makes for a very colourful day!

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:08:26 +1100

The spirit of Jacaranda for kids- shaving cream, water bombs, and colourful dye. Makes for a very colourful day! Photo: Tracey Rodda.

13 of 18, Crazy hair dos

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:21:13 +1100

Crazy hair dos Photo: janelle cooper.

14 of 18, Michael Jackson moves.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:37:48 +1100

Michael Jackson moves. Photo: Sophie Wiblen.

15 of 18, This picture is of three girls sitting in the back of an old car, watching the Jacaranda float parade pass by (in this photo is Merrick's Drumming float). I photoshopped this picture to draw attention to the traditions behind the parade, and the fact that everyone- young, old, and everywhere in between- joins in.

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:23:54 +1100

This picture is of three girls sitting in the back of an old car, watching the Jacaranda float parade pass by (in this photo is Merrick's Drumming float). I photoshopped this picture to draw attention to the traditions behind the parade, and the fact that everyone- young, old, and everywhere in between- joins in. Photo: JoJo Newby.

16 of 18, Sea Park In Bloom

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:39:09 +1100

Sea Park In Bloom Photo: Fraser Hemphill.

17 of 18, 80s dance disco

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 09:24:14 +1100

80s dance disco Photo: Jackie Pickett .

18 of 18, "FESTIVAL COLOURS"

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:48:01 +1100

"FESTIVAL COLOURS" Photo: Victor Pashkevich.