A new music festival on tomorrow in Tauranga aims to empower youth to be themselves and not let struggles get in the way of life by enjoying the sounds and experiences of local young performers.

Jammin' in the Park is a fun, free, sober youth music festival, which welcomes youth aged 12-21 to Carlton Street Reserve in Otūmoetai 3pm-7pm this Saturday, February 25, to enjoy music from college bands and local musicians.

The line-up is Sophie-Maude, Unit 51, Seaside Jams, Brothers Uprising, Jahvis Stantiall, and Blah Blah Uh Huh Boo Hoo.

Hosted by Tauranga Youth Development Team, general manager Erika Harvey says Jammin' in The Park is about empowering local youth to push through struggles – and be themselves. 'Youth are going through so much these days – they're influenced by social media, by peers, by everything that they see – and we're seeing a range of mental health and wellbeing issues because of it. We wanted to host a festival, where youth can be themselves and actually enjoy being who they are.”

Sophie's message

Erika says the event is to highlight you don't have to be like everyone else – that's why she's asked Tauranga musician Sophie-Maude to perform.

Sophie, aged 19, makes and performs music that draws from her own life experiences and coping with Autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette's syndrome – via her stories and shared perspectives she connects with a range of audiences. Her latest single ‘Take Me Away' went to number 1 on the NZ Hot 40 Singles Chart last July.

'I think this festival is a great opportunity to perform in a welcoming and inclusive environment for all youth of Tauranga with good vibes,” says Sophie.

Sophie, who has overcome health and confidence issues on the way to wellbeing, says it's important to be upfront about your struggles – as you can help speak to and inspire people. 'I really love giving people hope and getting them to acknowledge their possibilities – whether it be getting into music, coming to terms with themselves if they're on the spectrum and things like that.

'I'm always trying to make people feel welcome because of the experiences I've had growing up being on the spectrum. I understand a lot of about how people who are struggling feel – as I've been there myself.”

Connect and understand

Erika says the free event offers a sweet afternoon vibe, where TYDT can also connect with, relate to, and better understand local youth. Artist Sam Allen will work on a collaborative artpiece onsite people can join in on, there's roaming performers, food trucks, and a chill out zone with bean bags and giant outdoor games.

'This event is focussed on providing a fun, safe and sober event for youth, but everyone in the community is welcome!”