Local youth ready to rock for inaugural Breakthrough Music Festival

THE local music scene in South Gippsland and the Bass Coast is about to get a major injection of energy as young musicians prepare for the inaugural Breakthrough Music Festival at the YES Youth Hub in Wonthaggi.

This eagerly awaited, free community event will rock the YES Youth Hub by AV on Sunday, September 20, running from midday to 4pm. Co-hosted by GRCS Music School and the YES Youth Hub, and heavily supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, this not-for-profit initiative is structured to bridge the gap between amateur playing and professional industry experience.

In an exciting coordination of local young talent, the festival will take place on the same weekend as the popular Bass Coast Youth Makers Market, turning the weekend into a massive celebration of regional youth creativity.

The festival has been specifically created to celebrate and showcase the incredible musical talent of performers aged 10 to 18 from across the region.

Unlike traditional amateur showcases, every young artist selected to play will be paid a professional fee for their performance underscoring the organisers' strict commitment to genuine career and industry development.

The festival promises an expansive and diverse mix of performances, ranging from intimate acoustic soloists to full-scale, high-energy garage bands. Audiences can expect a dynamic repertoire showcasing both impressive original songwriting and popular covers across multiple genres.

Recognising the steep technical hurdles young performers often encounter when starting out, organisers are supplying a top-tier professional stage setup, live sound engineering, and a full instrumental backline.

This specialised infrastructure will allow the emerging artists to bypass technical stress and focus entirely on their performance craft in front of a live crowd.

Beyond the music, the event is designed to be an accessible, family-friendly afternoon for the entire community. Alongside the live main stage, attendees will be able to enjoy an array of local refreshments, including a traditional community sausage sizzle and premium coffee supplied locally by Suzy's Coffee.

The Bass Coast Youth Makers Market will kick off the weekend of festivities from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 19. This youth-led initiative is offering young individuals a platform to showcase their amazing skills, passions, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Highlighting the community impact of the market, Anglicare Victoria Team Leader Tracey Andrews said it had been focused on empowering and supporting young people, while celebrating their creative and culinary abilities.

Visitors will be able to browse a diverse range of stalls featuring handmade crafts, original artwork, unique jewellery, and delicious baked goods. Attendees can also enjoy a classic community sausage sizzle while hunting for one-of-a-kind finds or gifts.

Organisers are encouraging friends, families, and music enthusiasts to turn out in large numbers to support the next generation of performers. Entry to both events is completely free, and no pre-booked tickets are required.

With free entry and a vibrant, supportive atmosphere, the Breakthrough Music Festival is set to become a landmark event on the Bass Coast cultural calendar offering a unique glimpse into the future of Australian music.