For the first time, the National Youth Busking Challenge is being held on Saturday, March 24, just before the festival begins.

Not only will there be cash prizes, but winners of the busking challenge will be offered the chance to perform as part of the entertainment line-up during the festival.

David Pyke from the Wollundry Rotary Club, which is organising the busking challenge, said the club had been looking to create something for young people.

As final preparations are being made for the festival in the civic centre precinct, Wagga’s young musicians will be busking along Baylis Street.

Mr Pyke said there were three age categories for the competition and entry is free, although children under the age of 16 do need parental consent.

The idea is to fill Baylis Street – between Tompson and Morgan streets – with talented youngsters and Mr Pyke said the feedback so far had been good.

Wagga musician Riley McPherson said the competition was a great opportunity for young musicians, particularly given they will have the chance to perform at the festival.

“It will be great fun,’ Mr McPherson said.

Great fun is also going to be on offer at the food and wine festival, according to organising committee chairman Laurie Blowes.

Mr Blowes said 11 wineries – from the Riverina and beyond – were to attend, along with Yenda beer and more than 30 food stalls.

In addition to a mouth-watering array of food and drink options, Mr Blowes said the musical line-up featured some talented performers.

Darren Coggan, who grew up in Wagga, will perform alongside an impressive array of other musicians.

Visiting an exhibition of works by Wagga-based artists Sue Dyde and Kylie van Tol rounds out the entertainment options, Mr Blowes said.

“There’s going to be good food, good drinks, good music and good art,” he said.

Entry forms for the busking challenge are available from Allison Music or by emailing busking@wollundryrotary.org.au