Mansfield set to Amplify the Arts this Spring!

Published on 01 August 2025

Young artists and musicians from across Mansfield Shire are stepping into the spotlight this spring in a vibrant line-up of events led by the Mansfield Amplify Committee.

The 2025 line-up includes an expanded Youth Art Gallery hosted at the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre throughout September. The gallery builds on the event’s successes in 2024 when it was held for the first time as part of the Mansfield Open Studio Trail. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, the gallery will showcase artwork by young people from across the Shire. A special Opening Night celebration will be held on Friday 5 September from 4:30pm, including awards and prizes for standout submissions.

Youth music will also take centre stage as Mansfield again hosts the Battle of the Bands – a high-energy event that drew record crowds in 2024. Last year’s heat was the biggest in North East Victoria, with local acts Ella Crathern and Blue Curtain going on to place first and second in their respective categories at the regional finals in Albury.

Due to huge popularity last year, this year’s Battle of the Bands will move to St Mary’s Hall to allow more space for the audience and performers. It will be held on Saturday 18 October. Solo artists, duos and bands will compete for a chance to represent Mansfield at the North East Grand Final hosted in Mansfield on Saturday 22 November. A special Judges’ Award winner will also be selected to perform at Rock Out, officially kicking off the 2025 High Country Festival.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said it was inspiring to see young people stepping up to participate in creative events.

“There’s an incredible pool of young talent in our Shire, not only as performers but also as creators behind the scenes,” he said.

“Events like the Youth Art Gallery and the Battle of the Bands reflect our community’s energy and real passion for arts, music, and cultural spaces. The young people of our Amplify Committee have done an outstanding job in creating opportunities through organising these events, and we’re looking forward to even more amazing events throughout the year,” Cr Rabie said.

Amplify, formerly known as FReeZA, is a youth-driven initiative that empowers young people aged 12–25 to develop and share their creativity through music, art and cultural events. Mansfield’s Amplify Committee is no stranger to supporting local favourite events, with past appearances at the Lantern Festival, Jamieson Autumn Festival and High Country Festival.

Registrations for both the Youth Art Gallery and Battle of the Bands are now open for anyone aged 12 to 25. Event times and full line-ups will be released in the coming weeks.

To stay up to date or get involved, follow Mansfield Shire Youth on Facebook and Instagram.