Music, friends, food and raising awareness of poverty – “all the important things” – will be the themes of a mini festival, organised by a small group of Wagga teens.

Following last year’s successful Oxjam Garden Gig, the young organisers decided to make 2017 bigger and better, inviting more than 200 to their event and raising money to combat poverty.

Event instigator Annastasia Lucas said by charging a $5 entry fee, they hoped to donate up to $1000 to Oxfam this year – almost double their last contribution.

She said the feast of shared food, the exclusive venue and performances from local teenage musicians and bands was only possible through goodwill and volunteers.

“There’s not a lot of opportunity for young people to play live in Wagga,” Ms Lucas said. “You have to be over 18 for most things.”

Fellow planner and friend Cheyenne Bardos said the event showed others it was possible to make a difference, no matter what age they were. 

“It’s not just about having good fun but being able to do good things,” she said. “Last time it helped install irrigation overseas and three villages were able to get immunisations.”