GET ready to see Heathmere Speedway transform into one of the biggest youth-focused music festivals that the shire has ever seen.

Southern 500 Speedway, Heathmere, and FReeZA are hosting a festival this December with live music, food, body art, games and their headliner, indie rock band Teenage Joans.

Turn Up The Track is a youth-focused event, happening on December 7, featuring a lineup of up-and-coming artists from the Portland district area and a collaboration with The Alice Miller School Project including music groups and soloists Osmosis, Jasi Sierra, DJ Seb Barras, Alter Ego, Elo and the Shin Kicks, The Mods, and Sliced Diamonds.

The infield of the speedway will transform into a music festival featuring CBL 3x3 basketball games and shootout competitions, mechanical bull rides for the adventurous, a giant slide to unleash the inner kid, a decoration station for festival body art and a chill-out zone.

YUMCHA Glenelg crew will host a stall selling handmade pride merchandise alongside a variety of food vendors including Mr Container Catering, Tasty Taters, Jen’s Brew Bar, and Jakita Fairy Floss and Snow Cones.

Buses will run from Portland, Heywood, Casterton and Hamilton (and points in between) to the event, kicking off 3pm and finishing at 9pm.

There will be no smoking, drugs, alcohol or vapes allowed.

Portland FReeZA crew have teamed up with South Grampians FReeZA, who will provide transport from Hamilton, Blue Light, Portland Art Centre, Vic Health, and CBL, which is providing the 3x3 basketball feature.

FReeZA provides the opportunity for young people to actively engage in the arts and musical industry workshops, activities and events created across the Glenelg Shire.

The 16 crew members commenced planning for the event in May after Alice Miller School reached out regarding their regional tour.

They saw the perfect opportunity to build on feedback from young people in the community and to create new experiences, by delivering a bigger event around the tour.

“The Turn Up The Track festival is a great opportunity for us to create a diverse and inclusive environment where all people regardless of gender identity or sexuality are welcome,” FReeZA Crew member Molly Wilder said.

“This festival gives young people the chance to experience up-and-coming bands and live music without the need for long-distance travel, bringing entertainment to our regional area.

“This event also offers a great chance for YUMCHA to gain visibility within the community which allows people to learn about us and connect with the group whilst meeting others with similar interests and building a stronger sense of belonging.

“We want to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone so no one will be left out.”

The crew hope this event will reignite the passion for live music and events.

Some FReeZA Crew participants have been upskilling themselves in different areas in building this event, from lighting to performing, and event management to filming.

Hanna Aldridge from Southern 500 Speedway said their committee is excited to be a part of the event organised by the Glenelg Shire youth team.

“The organisation the team have put in for the event guarantees a great night for our local youth and we can’t wait to see the success of the event,” she said.

“We hope this prompts the opportunity for future music festivals and events at our track.”

If the council is re-funded for another three years of FReeZA funding and if the event is deemed successful, this inaugural event may become a feature of the program to generate more opportunities for future crews in Glenelg.

An event map will be shared prior to the festival on the Facebook event page ‘Turn Up The Track’ so attendees know what to expect.

Tickets are $30 and are available at the Portland Art Centre website www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Youth/Turn-Up-the-Track.