Sixteen performers and groups each took the stage, in front of a crowd which at its peak numbered nearly 80 people. 

There was a mixture of pop, rock, jazz and even dance skills on display over the course of nearly three hours, highlighting the depth of talent within Yass. 

Event planner and organiser Jess Keating took the stage herself at one point, performing a duet with talented musician and vocalist Shae Grabham. 

However, once the night was finished and she could finally relax, Ms Keating expressed relief that the events were over and had gone well. 

“Relieved, exhausted, but incredibly happy that this all came together,” was Ms Keating’s summary. 

“I’m so happy it worked.” 

Working day and night to pull the events together left Ms Keating little time to even sleep, but seeing the talent which emerged as a result made the sacrifice worth it. 

She has even begun planning a follow-up to the Light Up the Valley events, and intends to involve some of the musicians she has met over the last few weeks. 

“I’ve got five musicians that I’ve flagged from these series of events that have some really amazing original stuff,” Ms Keating said. 

She said that most of the performances were “amazing”, and confirmed that she intends to try and produce more Light Up the Valley events in future years. 

Much of the event last Friday night was also live-streamed, for the benefit of viewers who were unable to attend in person. 

This, as event contributor Nathan Furry said, was about “ensuring that no village gets left behind”, during a pilot series of events which was “successful beyond all expectation.”