Bands prepare for battle

BANNOCKBURN Cultural Centre will host the upcoming Golden Plains Youth Battle of the Bands.

Taking place Saturday 4 October, the battle is a competition featuring young emerging musos showcasing a variety of genres on the centre stage.

From 3pm to 6pm on the day competing bands will battle it out before a live audience for the chance to take home the winner’s title for 2025.

Bands lined up to do battle are Under The Sun, Jawn, Electric Stardust, The Zodiacs and Gobsmacked.

Admission to catch the competition is free and those who get along can first up expect to see a talented soloist get things started with an opening set before the five competing bands show what they’re made of.

To finish the day off, headliner act Over My Empire will be taking to the stage for the finale.

Band members with the Geelong-based band said they’re looking forward to the event, after headlining for it last year and winning it themselves a couple of years back.

“We’re so excited,” Over My Empire lead vocalist Kiara Cruz said.

“We cant wait to be headlining and Amplify is an amazing youth-driven group.”

The band features five members including two guitarists, drummer and a bass player who occasionally takes to the saxophone as well.

“We’ve released some new music on Spotify and we just want to share our new sound with everyone, ” Cruz said.

The event is funded by Amplify, a state government initiative that supports young people to lead the planning and delivery of safe, youth-friendly events for young Victorians aged 12 to 25.

The Amplify Committee is presenting the Battle supported by the Golden Plains Shire Council’s Youth Development team.

It will be an all-ages-friendly, fully supervised event with food options available.