For all who attended Valley Fiesta last weekend, it was obvious something had changed since last year and Brisbane certainly enjoyed it. The Valley’s true colours shone through with great home-grown music, out-of-the-box fun and friendly faces roaming the streets, packing out the bars and emblazoning graffiti art on the walls.

The humid, post-storm weather wasn’t enough to deter punters from enjoying the roller disco on top of Chinatown (lightning strike paranoia aside), and even musicians playing on outside stages weren’t scared off by possible electrocution.

It was nice to see crowds that recognised and appreciated Australian music, in a city where live music venues are declining. City planners take note; this seems to be what Brisbane wants.

Amidst the bustle there were five stages of live music, a suitcase rummage, the roller disco, a China Town Banquet, B-Boy championships, markets, galleries and high tea. A melting pot of culture and ideas, and exactly what the Valley has become synonymous with over the years.

Bravo to organisers for recognising the eccentric and eclectic roots of the Valley and putting together a festival that reminded everyone of why it’s still the cultural heart of the city.