Jess Hitchcock, Image Credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Entries are now open for the Royal Geelong Show Song Contest

Got an original song waiting in the wings? This is your moment to step into the spotlight.

Royal Geelong Show have launched their Song Contest, designed to amplify local voices for as part of their 2026 programming. The Geelong & Surfcoast Song Contest is a celebration of local sound, emerging talent and the creative chains running through the region. Artists are invited to upload their original track via the contest website, where audiences can listen, champion their favourites and cast their vote.

Song Content Key dates:

Public voting opens: Thursday 20 August 2026
Entries close: Sunday 20 September 2026 at midnight
Public voting closes: Friday 4 October 2026 at midnight
Performance day: Sunday 18 October 2026 at the Royal Geelong Show

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Royal Geelong Show (@royalgeelongshow)

Public voting will determine the first Top 5 finalists, with a further Top 5 selected by Lukey Luke and the Royal Geelong Show team. Together, the Top 10 will take to the stage on Sunday 18 October 2026 at the Royal Geelong Show, performing live before an audience and a panel of judges.

On the day, each finalist will strip it back with an acoustic performance, before three standout acts are chosen to perform once more. From there, the judges will crown the winner.

More than a title, the prize offers a meaningful springboard for artists, with professional recording opportunities, studio time, music vouchers and media coverage designed to elevate and amplify their work.

First Prize includes a professional recording session with producer Tim Henwood at Medici Studio to record the winning song, valued at $1,200, plus 8 hours of studio time at Don’t Poke The Bear with an audio engineer, provided by Oxygen College and valued at $900, a $200 Music Workshop voucher, and a feature article published in Forte Magazine and on the Forte website.

Second Prize includes a $100 Music Workshop voucher and a short-form feature article published in Forte Magazine and on the Forte website.

Third Prize includes a $50 Music Workshop voucher and a short-form feature article published in Forte Magazine and on the Forte website.

Submit your song, share your voice, and let the community decide where it goes next.

If you would like to share you music and put your hat in the ring to win the Song Contest, sign up now. All competition details, application, and terms and conditions can be found here.