Shepparton is gearing up for an exciting Youth Fest event this Saturday, as the GLOW Roller Disco makes its comeback.

Presented by GV Pride in partnership with The Bridge Youth, Uniting VT, and Berry Street, the event is made possible thanks to a FReeZA funding grant from the Greater Shepparton City Council.

The event is free for young people aged 12 to 25.

“Our GLOW roller disco event targets young people aged 12 to 25, but is open to ALL ages, supporting youth social connectedness, physical and mental health, and well-being,” said Event Lead Damien Stevens-Todd.

“We are proud to have created an inclusive, family-friendly space where roller-skating transcends many of life’s other distractions, allowing us to focus just on what is in front of us for a moment; to have fun with our friends, and make some new ones.”

Bridge Youth Service CEO Melinda Lawley said Youth Fest represented a unique opportunity to engage young people in a fun and inclusive environment.

 “By supporting such events, we’re investing in young people’s well-being, building stronger connections within the community, and promoting a sense of belonging among our youth,” Ms Lawley said.

“By partnering with other organisations to bring events like the roller disco to life, we’re not only celebrating youth culture but also reinforcing the importance of community collaboration and the positive impact it can have on our young people’s lives.”

GV Pride President Deb Chumbley emphasised the event’s broader impact.

“It is so important we celebrate our young people and create spaces where they can be their authentic selves. We are so proud to be part of Youth Fest 2024,” Ms Chumbley said.

In addition to skating, the event will feature food and drinks for purchase, prize draws, live entertainment, a bean bag chill-out zone, a giant selfie frame, nature-based craft activities, and more.

The Roller Disco will take place at the Multipurpose Pavilion at Shepparton Showgrounds on Saturday, September 21.

There are three, three-hour sessions to choose from, with the 7pm-to-10pm timeslot aged 18 and over only.

BYO skates or free hire available.

Tickets are available at: https://events.humanitix.com/glow-roller-disco-youth-fest-edition-or-sat-21-september-2024-or-shepparton-or-all-ages-welcome.

A fee will apply for children under 12 and adults over 25. The event is strictly drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape free.