BEAT festival to showcase up-and-coming NT talent at Darwin Entertainment Centre

The future of the Top End’s performing arts scene will be on show at an iconic school event. See the students to watch out for.

The stage has been set for the next generation of performers to represent the Territory in the world of show business.

Budding singers, songwriters and dancers from about 50 schools in the Top End will take to the Darwin Entertainment Centre stage for the 43rd annual BEAT Festival.

NT Music School principal Bill Grose said the festival was often the culmination of months of hard work.

“The Ludmilla Primary School principal summed it up best when he said, ‘For some of the students this will be the best thing that happens to them at school’,” he said.

“I can really understand how important these things are for students.

“And they spent all year working on it — so it’s a big job.”

Archer Bryett, Aleya Muhamad, Isabel Gardiner and Emi Mallard ready for the 56th annual School Beat Concert at the Entertainment Center. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The festival has even been known to launch the careers of musical superstars including the NT’s own Jessica Mauboy.

Year 12 Darwin High student Lucy Rose is performing an original number, and Mr Grose said she was a talent to keep an eye on.

“She’s going to be the brave student getting out and singing solo — just her and her guitar,” he said.

“She’s fabulous.”

Another singer/songwriter to grace the stage will be Eilis Evans, also from Darwin High School, who has written a song for the whole cast to sing.

Fellow students Matthew O’Brien and Mia Grosser are also performing solo numbers.

More than 1000 students will participate across the three nights, performing in choirs, dance troupes, rock bands, instrumental ensembles, dramatic items and as solo acts.

Education Minister Eva Lawler said events such as these are vital to producing the next batch of musical talent.

“It is really important that we focus on performing arts as well as giving students who have a strong interest in music and performing the opportunity to perform,” she said.

“Otherwise it’s just the sporting stars that get the accolades and we want to provide for all students.”

It is estimated more than 2500 audience members will attend the festival.

The foundation supporting the heart of the arts industry

The BEAT festival is jointly-produced by the NT Music School and the Beat Foundation Incorporated, both headed up by Mr Grose.

Bill Grose at the NT School of Music with lots of memories of Beat’s past. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The foundation is described as being driven by “a dedicated band of people and organisations”.

For 35 years the foundation has worked to put on events such as the festival and the annual Rotary BEAT Foundation Awards to support the youth arts landscape.

A charitable association, the BEAT Foundation is funded by NT Department of Education, the Rotary Club of Darwin, the Darwin City Council and other sponsors