On Sunday 3 March 2019, Leederville was vibing as approximately 2,000 young people revelled at YMCA's first Collision Festival, a free youth-led event aimed at empowering, showcasing and celebrating the many talents and achievements of young people across Western Australia.
Based at the iconic YMCA HQ arts hub, the Festival ran from midday to 10pm. Festival goers enjoyed interactive workshops and inspiring keynote presentations from 23-year-old disability rights activist and youngest ever senator, Jordon Steele-John from the Greens' Senate, former Matilda's Olympian turned lawyer Tal Karp and a panel of young women (Jamilla, Bella Nicholls from Demon Days and Phoebe from Your Girl Pho) talking about women within the music industry.
The three live music stages were heaving. The main stage showcased local WA headliners including Demon Days, Spacey Jane, Your Girl Pho, whilst the Hip Hop stage was on fire as local talent spat out raps, emcees enjoyed open mic sessions and street dancers showcased their moves. The Sweet Oblivion stage, in the HQ gig space, was literally throbbing with people pogoing and banging to the sounds of Super Highway, King Mantis and Homebrand.
"We are delighted with the Festival and how well it was received. We wanted to combine entertainment with community engagement to empowered young people from all walks of life and I think we achieved that!", explains Tia Sandhu, YMCA Youth Projects Coordinator.
You don’t have to wait another year for the next festival! We hold a range of events throughout the year across WA. Stay up to date with what’s coming up by following YMCA WA Instagram and Facebook and for things happening locally in Leederville follow YMCA HQ on Facebook and Instagram.
To view photos from the day click here.
Photos courtesy of Lisa Astle