“Take every opportunity you can.”

That’s the advice from Isaiah Firebrace for all young people from small towns hoping to make it as a singer or actor.

“I am from a small town originally and every weekend I just went anywhere I could to sing and be a part of competitions or festivals,” he said.

“Don't be shy just put yourself out there as much as possible and believe in yourself.”

The young singer won The X Factor in 2016 and in the past two years has transformed from a small town singer to one of Australia’s most successful artists.

At just 17-years-old Isaiah represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest, released his debut single It's Gotta Be You that charted all over the world and notched up more than 100 million international streams and supported Jessica Mauboy on her Australian tour.

Isaiah knows what it’s like for youth living in small towns after growing up in Moama which has a population of around 5000 people.

It’s this background which saw Isaiah jump at the chance to be part of Griffith’s MYFEST.

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The Griffith Regional Theatre is behind MYFEST which will see events aimed at youth (12 to 25 years) run over 13 days.

A major part of the event will be Griffith’s Got Talent by Fast Track Talent, which Isaiah will be judging.

“I'm looking for someone or a group who is really unique - someone that stands out and gives an amazing performance,” he said.

“Sometimes it is not just about talent but about who really connects with the audience.”

The night before local talent is on show there will be an impressive line up of artists for the MYFEST live concert including Remi, Winston Surfshirt and local boy Ben Ceccato.

While MYFEST is focused on youth there is bound to be something to peak your interested if you’re 10 to 35.

During the week there will be free events, performances, and workshops for youth to learn new skills.

Some of the workshops on offer are not usually available in Griffith giving youth a chance to improve their skills in these areas for fun or for the possibility of pursuing a career in the field.

Just some of the acts and workshops includes circus, parkour, contemporary dance, fire twirling, aerosol art, performance poetry and hip hop music.

More than 30 young people have been working hard behind the scenes to bring MYFEST together for the first time.

It is hoped the event will run again next year or every second year. This decision will depend on the amount of support received this year.

For more information on MYFEST go the MYFEST Facebook page.

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