Campbell Park will come alive with music, food and community spirit this Friday, as young people from across the New England North West take centre stage at the second annual Battle on the Bank.
Held on the banks of the Macintyre River, Battle on the Bank is a free community music event designed and led by young people, with an impressive line-up of performers aged between 12 and 24.
At the heart of the event is Inverell’s Youth Think Tank Team (Y3T): Savannah Maybury, Hollie Purvis, Abigail Beckhouse and Sophie Partridge – four young people aged 13 to 17 who have taken on the challenge of bringing the event to life.
With mentoring from long-time community builders Christy Galbraith and Fiona Adams of Ladybug Projects, Y3T has been involved in every aspect of the event, from developing the program and promoting the event to speaking with media, recording radio advertisements, recruiting food stalls and encouraging their peers to get involved.
Mentor Christy Galbraith said the young organisers had embraced the opportunity to take the lead.
“They’ve taken on everything from media and promotion through to planning the schedule and working with performers and stallholders. It’s been fantastic to watch them develop confidence and take ownership of the event,” Christy said.
The event line-up showcases emerging musicians from across the region, including Warialda’s Natalie Tu, Tamworth band The Horizon, Glen Innes band The Angry Penguins, and Inverell homegrown talent Bethany Pearse, The Strays, and Eliza and Dani.
Taking to the stage as special guest artists for the event, include Inverell’s own Peyton Childs, who has recently completed a stint with the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music; Armidale-based rap artist BLAKKSOL; and DJ Darkhorse who are fresh from performing at this year’s Big Chill Festival in Armidale.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every performer taking to the stage at Battle on the Bank to share their talent with the community,” Christy said.
“This is their opportunity to be heard, to perform in front of a live audience. We hope people of all ages will come along, enjoy the music and get behind these young artists.”
Y3T will also take centre stage themselves, with the team taking on all MC duties throughout the event.
While music is at the heart of Battle on the Bank, there will be plenty to enjoy from the food stalls attending, including Inverell East Rotary, Inverell Scouts, Macintyre High P&C, Spill the Beanz and The Lolly Cycle.
The event is an opportunity for the whole community to come together, enjoy free live music and support the next generation of performers and community leaders.
Battle on the Bank is supported by Sapphire Wind Farm and will be held at Campbell Park, Inverell on Friday 25 September from 6.00pm – 9.00pm. Entry is free.
Event Details
Battle on the Bank
Date: Friday, 25 September 2026, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Venue: Campbell Park, Inverell
Media release: Lady Bug Projects
