The Emerging Artist Stage is back for the 2025 Festival of Sails, bigger and better than ever! With K rock 95.5 FMjoining Forte Magazine in co-presenting this exciting competition, local performers will have the chance to showcase their talent and compete for incredible prizes.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 will feature the Emerging Artists Series, while Sunday, January 26, 2025 introduces the We Are the Youth! Series, dedicated to aspiring artists aged 12-17. Both events will take place at Tipi on the Bay, nestled in the lively atmosphere of Farnie Park at the west entrance of the Festival. Performances will run from 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM, with 8-10 performers each day playing 20-minute sets. It’s the perfect opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their original music to a live audience at one of the biggest events of the summer.
For onlookers at the Festival of Sails, the Emerging Artist Stage provides the soundtrack for Tipi on the Bay—the ultimate summer vibe. Set against a stunning tipi housing the main bar, festival-goers can grab a drink, lounge on the lawns, or relax in a sun chair as they enjoy live music from local emerging talent. Surrounded by food vendors and framed by views of yachts racing on the sparkling bay, it’s the ideal place to sip, savor, and soak in the festival energy.
Prizes for the winning performers include a cash prize, features in Forte Magazine, airtime on K rock 95.5 FM, and a performance spot on the Festival of Sails main stage in 2026. Two runners-up will receive $250 each, with editorial mentions. Last year’s winner, Mister Co, has gone on to sell out their debut headline tour, release a live album, and receive airplay and interviews on Triple M. Other alumni, like Wild Gloriosa and Jacqui Lumsden, have also seen their careers flourish.
This year, the competition will have two categories:
The Emerging Artists Series (open to all ages), which kicks off on Saturday, January 25.
We Are the Youth! Series (open to ages 12-17), taking place on Sunday, January 26.
With K rock 95.5 FM joining us as a co-presenter, this year’s event offers even more exposure for competitors, with K rock providing airtime and a greater prize pool for winners. The festival continues to grow in popularity, with more than 300 entries, 3,000 competitors, and 100,000 visitors expected to attend in 2025.
Applications are now open for both series! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting opportunity and showcase your talent at one of Geelong’s biggest events of the summer. Entries close on January 15, 2025, so register today and secure your spot on the stage!
For more information and to register, visit festivalofsails.com.au/emergingartiststage/