Emerging artist competition to return at 2024 Festival of Sails

THE call-out is on for emerging music artists to come and be part of the jam-packed entertainment at the 181st Festival of Sails in January.

The popular ‘Forte Presents: Emerging Artist Stage” will return for a second straight year and give artists the opportunity to showcase their works on a local, national and international scale.

Solo musical artists or duos are invited to take to the stage for the chance to take home $500 for the winner and $250 for two runners up, along with the chance to be featured in Forte Magazine.

Festival of Sails chairman, Paul Bucholz said he was delighted to be bringing it back to Geelong’s waterfront during the three day festival.

“We’re always proud to support any initiative that showcases our region’s talents and last year’s competition certainly showed we had plenty,” he said.

“So, we’re delighted to offer this opportunity again to a new batch of emerging musical artists to hit the stage to entertain a whole new audience.”

Forte Magazine editor, Talia Rinaldo said the magazine was thrilled to once again be teaming up with the team at Royal Geelong Yacht Club at the iconic event.

“This initiative isn’t just about supporting local artists; it’s about championing them across one of the busiest weekends of summer on the stunning Geelong waterfront and giving up-and-coming performers a stage from which to launch from.

“The calibre of musical talent in the Geelong region is truly remarkable, and we can’t wait for you to join us in sharing it.”

Twenty-seven year-old Warrnambool singer-songwriter Jacqui Lumsden was the inaugural 2023 winner and said it had been a fabulous opportunity and one she never expected to win.

“More than the prize money – which was very welcome – was the amazing feature article in Forte magazine which really attracted some interest in my work.

“To anyone who’s thinking about entering, I’d say just do it. New opportunity, new audience and who knows, you might even win it!”

Artists will shortlisted in early January and then be invited to perform a 20-minute set on the Fairnie Park stage on January 26 between 12 noon and 6pm.

The 2024 event will be MC’d by sailing personality Nic Douglass, adding to the entertainment on the day.

Douglass, cut her teeth on yacht racing at the Festival of Sails in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and more recently has taken on ambassador and media partnership roles at the event.

Additionally, young local sailing star, 17-year-old Evie McDonald from Geelong has been appointed the Festival of Sails’ inaugural youth ambassador.

Artists can register at www.geelongentertainment.com.au/contact-ges