Calling all Young People for “Alive in the Park”

Kicking off on Saturday, 21st May on the banks of Yass River, Alive in the Park is a free, live music and arts festival for young people.

Run in collaboration between YASSarts and Yass Valley Council, the event includes live music, food trucks, markets, roaming performers, emergency service vehicle displays, headspace Yass hangout tents, Rotary jumping castle, Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC) circuit, moonlight cinema, and more.

No tickets are required, and all young people need to do is bring along their friends, family, a picnic chair, and blanket and settle in for a jam-packed day of entertainment presented on the fabulously pink, bubble-blowing Soul Defender stage.

Among the stellar line-up of headline acts performing on the day – and all hailing from Yass Valley and Canberra - are the four-piece, indie-rock outfit Flowermarket; four-piece, indie-pop powerhouse Archie; and, extremely talented singer-songwriter Lucy Sugerman.

Emerging, indie-folk band, The Sun Fishers, will also be given the incredible opportunity of supporting these acts on stage after successfully auditioning at the pre-launch event, Howl at the Moon, in Yass, in April.

In addition to supporting five other young, local performers, the festival will support senior students from Yass High School with sound and lighting production, event management and photography experience.

Local youth leader, musician and Alive in the Park Spokesperson, Max McGrath, said the festival will give young people in Yass Valley a chance to enjoy music, movies, entertainment and share good times with their friends and family after a challenging couple of years with COVID-19.

“There are so many artistic kids and young adults that aren't given the space or time to share their talents. It isn't particularly encouraged, especially if your taste is a bit edgy or new school,” said Max.

“Alive in the Park will be the first of many events that we are planning to give people a stage, whether it's singing, dancing or art. Creativity brings so much life and culture to a place, and I think kids around here really need that.”

Yass Valley Council’s Director of Corporate and Community, Lynette Safranek, said it’s important young people in rural and regional communities have access to the same experiences and opportunities as young people in metropolitan areas.

“Council is proud to use funding received from NSW Youth Week to support Alive in the Park, which targets people aged 12 to 26 in Yass Valley,” said Ms Safranek.

“Our goal is to help grow Alive in the Park into an annual event that celebrates, supports, and promotes our young people. We will ensure the event is accessible and inclusive to everyone.”

Where: Riverbank Park, Yass When: 11am-10pm on Saturday, 21st May

Check out Alive in the Park on Facebook or Instagram for more information.

• Topics:

• Music and Entertainment
• Living and Lifestyle