Ballina’s Folded Festival has expanded, with the addition of five local up-and-coming high school bands to the bill. The newly announced acts join the already announced headliners, Eliza & The Delusionals.

Now in its third year, Folded Festival was created by the local mental health charity, The Healthy Minds Club.

Taking over the Ballina Skatepark on Saturday, 20 September, the free, all-ages event allows school-aged bands from the Northern Rivers region to embrace the opportunity to perform on stage. In addition to performing, the bands go in the running to win a day of recording at a local studio, including mixing and mastering.

The best performance of the day (excluded from the main headliner) will be chosen by an independent board, which could lead to the winning band releasing their first-ever single.

This year, returning champions The Maggots will perform at Folded Festival. The all-female, four-piece originated at Byron Bay High School. After winning the festival’s competition, they recorded their debut single, No Answers, at Byron Music Studio with a local producer.

Joining The Maggots on the bill are Da Manager, a band comprising members from Kingscliff High School, Mount St Patrick College, and Lindisfarne High School.

Meanwhile, indie rock outfit The Rays will represent Lismore High School, solo artist OAA, from Ballina Coast High School, will bring a unique blend of folk and reggae rooted in his Māori heritage, and TenPackScrewdriver, a progressive metal band from Kadina High School, will round out the line-up.

Folded Festival will be held at Ballina Skatepark next month from 12 pm to 6 pm, encouraging a family day out supporting the local community. The Ballina Rotary Club will keep the party going with a free barbecue and soft drinks, with the skating rink open to all skaters.

Last month, The Healthy Minds Club President Jackson Connellan said, “We are proud to help foster the wealth of musical talent among the young people in our area.

“Our board came up with the idea for Folded three years ago because, here at The Healthy Minds Club, we understand the importance of creative outlets for wellness, so we’re keen to put on a great day of music and give the kids a chance to feel like rockstars. And to have Eliza and the Delusionals on board as our 2025 headliner is an absolute dream!”