Epic SAMM Fest Returns with Skate, Art, Music and Mental Health Focus

Youth Fest in Margs

The South West's much-loved Skating, Art, Music and Mental Health Festival (SAMM Fest) returns to the Margaret River Youth Precinct on Saturday, November 23rd, for an epic afternoon of creativity and connection. This fun, free community event, presented by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Lotterywest, runs from 3 pm to 7:30 pm.

This year's festival features an exciting lineup of activities, including live performances by local youth bands, interactive art installations, and the highly anticipated annual Soggy Bones Skate Competition, which kicks off at 6 pm and runs until 7 pm.

Young people can explore their creativity through screen printing workshops by The Concrete Club, participate in an interactive mural creation by young First Nations artist Mariah, and join mural design workshops with Kaiman in the Zone Room.

Community Development Trainee Aloha Fritsch emphasises the festival's mission, "SAMM Fest is about creating a space where young people can connect, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger. By encouraging creative expression through art, music, and skating, we celebrate the incredible diversity and energy our youth bring to the community," she said.

Mental health awareness takes centre stage at SAMM Fest, with Headspace Margaret River offering support and resources in a friendly and safe environment.

"SAMM Fest aims to break down barriers around mental health by creating an inclusive space where young people can feel safe and supported. By blending these fun activities with vital resources, we're making mental wellness a part of the conversation in our community," Ms Fritsch added.

Other festival highlights include Margi Pride's Posca pot painting and fun sporting activities like roller skating, basketball, and ping pong. Food vans, ice cream, and a sausage sizzle will energise festival-goers throughout the afternoon.

Join us for SAMM Fest 2024 at the Margaret River Youth Precinct on 31 Wallcliffe Road this November! This vibrant, dynamic event aims to raise mental health awareness while providing a fun, drug and alcohol-free environment for the community.

Proudly presented by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Lotterywest, SAMM Fest is free, accessible, and inclusive. With essential support from the Margaret River Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), The Concrete Club, Soggy Bones, and Headspace, this event aims to break down barriers, foster creativity, and encourage our youth to embrace and express their uniqueness while having a whole lot of fun! 

For enquiries about the event, including accessibility requirements, please get in touch with the Shire's Community Development Team on 08 9780 5255 or email [email protected].