ALMOST 1000 people flocked to the Mount Gambier Railway Lands on Friday night to support the Grant High School student-run Sound Bites event.
The community festival – which comprised 17 musical acts, a variety of food stalls and arts and crafts displays – was organised and carried out by the students with support from school staff.
Originally starting a few years ago at the Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Sound Bites moved to The Rail last year with a vision to expand.
After a successful 2018, the event doubled in size this year.
Grant High School teacher Pariya Ziakis said the event exceeded all expectations.
“We were hoping to be bigger this year, but did not realise how big we would actually get,” she said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the students for pulling off such an amazing event this year.
“The event will continue every year and we hope to continue getting bigger and better.”
Formed as an alternative to traditional assessment tasks, Sound Bites has grown into a community event.
Ms Ziakis said strong community support not only encouraged students to continue the event each year, but also provided real world skills they may not exposed to through school.
“The live music and the food stalls give students an opportunity to learn authentic life skills outside of school,” she said.
“If they want to go on to be entertainers or work in hospitality, they get a little insight into how things might work in the real world.
“It teaches them skills they can then take into the workforce which is also incredibly important.”
Sound Bites is one of several events Grant High School hosts each year including its highly-anticipated musical productions which will return later this year.
