YO Events invites bands from Greater Bendigo to submit an entry to perform at BendiGLOW Youthfest as part of the Battle of the Bands competition, a free and inclusive all-ages event aimed at supporting and showcasing the next generation of musical talent.
This is an opportunity for local bands to perform live on a professionally equipped stage in front of a large, regional, and supportive audience.
Applications have now closed for Battle of the Bands 2026.
THE JUDGES
- Sherri Parry - local music icon
- Mick from Trash Cult - record store and micro music venue
- Ken & Yvonne from Jam in the Van - the region's funky mobile stage and recording studio
We kindly thank the judges for volunteering their time to support the 2026 Battle of the Bands
THE PRIZES
FIRST PRIZE
- One complete song recorded, mixed and mastered with Union Records (to the value of $1000)
- Branding, design and marketing support package generously donated by Bendigo Creative (to the value of $1000)
- Paid performance on Phoenix FM's Easter procession float in front of a crowd of thousands ($500 performance payment)
- A position in the line up at Gig Fest 2027 courtesy of Live Music Bendigo
- A position on Volume II of Support Local Music CD OR a $300 gift voucher for Muso's Stuff if the band has no original songs
- A feature in Live Music Bendigo's Gig Guide & interview on their live radio show on Phoenix FM
- A paid gig at a local music venue courtesy of Live Music Bendigo ($300 performance payment)
- An interview in Ambedo Magazine & Blog
- Branding, design and marketing support package generously donated by Bendigo Creative (to the value of $500)
- A paid gig at a local music venue courtesy of Live Music Bendigo ($300 performance payment)
- $200 gift voucher for Muso's Stuff
- 'No Music on a Dead Planet' t-shirts from Green Music for the whole band (up to 5 t-shirts with a value of $50 each)
- An interview on Live Music Bendigo's live radio show on Phoenix FM
- An interview in Ambedo Magazine & Blog
- Branding, design and marketing support package generously donated by Bendigo Creative (to the value of $300)
- A paid gig at a YO Bendigo event ($300 performance payment)
- $100 gift voucher for Muso's Stuff
- Merch from Trash Cult
- An interview on Live Music Bendigo's live radio show on Phoenix FM
- An interview in Ambedo Magazine & Blog
YO Bendigo kindly thanks the following organisations for their contributions to the Battle of the Bands prizes.
Bendigo Creative
A local branding, graphic design and website studio helping businesses and organisations build strong, professional brands through thoughtful design and creative strategy. Thank you to Bendigo Creative for generously donating tailored branding, design and marketing support for our three winning bands!
Phoenix FM
Bendigo's community access radio station, broadcasting on 106.7 FM and supporting local artists, telling local stories, and amplifying local voices. We thank Phoenix FM for supporting BendiGLOW through their live broadcast at the event and for offering performance and interview opportunities to our Battle of the Bands winners.
Live Music Bendigo
A passionate collective of music enthusiasts dedicated to nurturing and strengthening Bendigo's live music scene. They foster an environment where venues thrive, artists flourish, and audiences show up to support the diverse and dynamic sounds of local music. Live Music Bendigo is supporting BendiGLOW by coordinating key prizes, including a spot at Gig Fest, paid performances at local venues, and valuable promotional opportunities.
A Deception Music's Support Local Music
Led by Bendigo-based thrash metal solo artist A Deception Music, the Support Local Music CD is a compilation showcasing talented local musicians all in one place. We're excited to partner with them for the first time to offer a spot on Volume II of the CD, as well as a limited-edition copy of Volume I, featuring last year's Battle of the Bands winners, Two Steps Forward, which will be exclusively given away at BendiGLOW 2026.
Union Records
Owned by talented local musician Kahlan Young, Union Records champions the next generation of songwriters and provides a relaxed, welcoming space for recording and creativity. Union Records is supporting our 1st Place winners with the opportunity to record, mix and master a complete song.
Trash Cult
Trash Cult is an independent store carefully curated with records, books, film and more, as well as a micro music venue that showcases some of the best local talent. We thank Trash Cult for supporting BendiGLOW by generously donating merchandise for our prize pool.
