Youth festival this Friday

Local junior rock bands will be among the line-up at this weekend’s annual MR SAM festival at the Margaret River Skate Park today from 4pm.

Rebadged this year to include a focus on mental health, the Margaret River Skate, Art and Music event is a free family-oriented celebration for locals.

After a year off for last year’s youth precinct redevelopment, today’s festival will feature bands from the Community Rock School, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s Youth Advisory Council band, and upcoming Perth indie band Phoneline Valentine.

Artist Karl Heussenstamm will run workshops with youngsters all afternoon during the silent disco held in the adjacent refurbished hall.

Youngsters can also compete in ping pong or stick around for the Soggybones Skate Jam, which offers prizes for all age groups and abilities.

Outgoing Shire community development trainee Kate Mann said tonight would be “jam-packed full of amazing talent, and will provide a great atmosphere for all the community to get involved”.

“There will be plenty of free information about looking after your mental health and drug and alcohol awareness,” she said.

“Mental and physical health is really important for everyone in the community, not just young people.

“This event will provide the opportunity to access resources and information and create positive awareness around drugs, alcohol and mental health.”

Food vans and providers will also be onsite.

MR SAM starts at 4pm and runs until 8pm.