Ahead of the Bello Winter Music festival next month, the winners of the Youth Mentorship Program have been announced, which sees artists from the line-up team up and mentor young talent under the age of 19.
Coffs Coast four-piece Boewood took out the band category (mentored by Kai Tipping), while 16-year-old River Rose Boyce won out the vocal award (mentored by Jo Jo Smith), Bellingen high school student Marni Besley was awarded the singer songwriter prize (mentored by Miss Eileen & King Lear) and Juno Pepper Nebauer was crowned the winner of the under 15 category (mentored by Merryn Jeann).
All winners score a rehearsal session with their respective mentor, a 20-minute performance at Bello Winter Music, a backstage pass to their mentor's set and a weekend pass for the festival.
"We are always looking to develop our craft, each one of us is dedicated to playing music and creating a successful band," Boewood said in a statement.
"The value of such a mentoring program is undeniable."
Bello Winter Music General Manager Maggie Quirk added, "The relationships young artists form with their mentors often last long after the festival.
"The Youth Mentorship performances are always a festival highlight."
Acts confirmed to perform at this year's festival includes Willie Watson, L-FRESH The LION, Mojo Juju, Sahara Beck and more.
For more information, check out the Bello Winter Music website or click on the festivals tab.
