Entertainment
12 September, 2025
Savannah pushes emerging talent
SOME of the best breakout artists who are “destined for stardom” will be on show at this year’s Savannah in the Round country music festival.
Savannah in the Round prides itself on being among the largest country music festivals in the state, bringing world renowned Australian and international acts to the small town of Mareeba, like this year’s headliner Zac Brown Brand from the US.
But what they are also proud of is their commitment to showcasing the up-and-coming artists from right here in Australia who, in their eyes, are just destined for stardom.
This year, these acts will include the likes of Denvah, local girl Ella Hartwig, Lane Pittman, Wade Forster, Austin Mackay, and Kingswood.
Denvah is an up-and-coming artist known for her unique voice and down-to-earth charm. She was also a fan favourite on Australian Idol last year where she placed third overall in the grand final.
Her first single after the competition, “Making Cups of Tea”, was an instant success, as was her second single that year, “One of Them Cowboys”.
Denvah will be playing on the Friday from 9.30am at the Big Top Music Hall.
A touch of local stardom will also be featured with Cooktown country artist Ella Hartwig set to perform at 10.15am on the Saturday on the Backyard Stage.
Hartwig’s 2023 single “Western Star” was a breakout hit for the young artist. She is now recording her debut album, Take Me South, which is all about her “hometown and finding herself” and is set to be released just before the festival.
Lane Pittman has made quite a name for himself in recent years, especially after opening for Luke Combs at his Australian tour and finding huge success with his self-titled debut EP and 2024 single Amen For The Weekend. Pittman will be playing on the Friday from 6pm on the Cape Stage.
Wade Forster came from rodeos to radio in a short amount of time and hasn’t looked back since. “Fighting Tears” from his debut album The Beginning has garnered over 11.3 million streams on Spotify alone. He will be playing at 4.40pm on the Friday on the Cape Stage.
Austin Mackay will also feature at this year’s festival. The “road-hardened and emotionally raw” young man from Newcastle has been making waves in the industry of late and will feature at the Campers Concert on the Thursday at 6pm before the Great Northern Bullriding Series.
He will then play a second set on the Friday from 9.30am at the Big Top Music Hall.
Rounding out the list of emerging talent is Kingswood. With millions of streams and major festival slots, they are “blazing a bold new trail” and will be bringing their talents to Savannah in the Round.
Visit the Big Top Music Hall on the Sunday from 1.35pm to see this country-rock group light up the stage.
This year’s festival will be held from 9-12 October at Kerribee Park, Mareeba. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.savannahintheround.com.au
