With the hills bathed in spring sunshine, the sounds of over 40 musical acts echoed across Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve on Sunday, 14 September, as Monbulk College hosted its third annual ‘Hilltop Music Festival’ – a full-day celebration of student music, creativity and community spirit.
Spread across three stages and featuring 160 performers, the event brought together current students, past students, and their families for a high-energy, all-ages festival that continues to grow in size and significance each year.
Music teacher at Monbulk College and one of the key organisers, Lisa Baird said the Hilltop Music Festival started three years ago.
“It began when myself, some parents and the other music teacher, Roz Wilson, decided that we needed to have an authentic performance experience for our current students, and also provide a warm, supportive and dynamic space for our past students to come back and play,” Ms Baird said.
The festival held at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, was more than just a school concert, it’s a grassroots, community-led event that offers young people a chance to step into the spotlight.
“It’s all about our community and getting our student musicians outside of school and into the community,” Ms Baird said.
“We wanted to create a space that’s public, safe, alcohol- and drug-free, a space that’s healthy for everyone, but also inspiring. Most gigs are over-18, and that means young musicians often miss out on being part of that world. So this is our way of bridging that gap, to give them something real.”
This year’s event saw more than 100 student musicians performing across the day, with 11 school-based bands and countless others supporting on the ground with logistics, emceeing, and sustainability efforts.
“We had teenagers there at 6am helping set up on the Sunday morning,” Ms Baird said.
“That’s a bit of a miracle in itself. We had kids doing the emceeing, our Sustainability Team were working all day to reduce waste, and others helped on the Saturday with setup, just seeing how many of them showed up and gave their energy, it’s really moving.”
Ms Baird said what makes Hilltop unique, is how deeply it connects students to their own growth and potential.
“We’re providing an opportunity for young people to be nervous, to muster their courage, to be scared and do the thing anyway and then feel the joy and pride in themselves that comes after,” she said.
“It’s especially powerful in that middle space, like Year 9, where they begin to realise they have value, they have something to say, and what they say can bring joy to others. It’s the moment they start stepping into adulthood.”
The support from the wider school community was just as strong, with parents volunteering across stalls and food stands, and lending hands to make the day a success.
“We had barbecues, scones, cakes, chai, coffee trucks…and the parents were everywhere, helping out in so many ways,” Ms Baird said.
“There are a lot of ways to be part of this, and I think that’s why it works, people want to help, they see how much it means.”
For Ms Baird, the feedback that has stayed with her the most came from a parent who spoke to her after the show.
“They just said thank you, that it was something their kid would remember for the rest of their life,” she said.
“And I think that’s the most awesome thing. That’s the whole reason.”
While formal planning for next year is still in motion, the Hilltop Music Festival is expected to return in 2026 and those interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact Monbulk College directly.
“We are a community that loves the arts,” Ms Baird said.
“We see the value in it, we see how important it is and when something like this is offered, people jump at it, because they know it feels good. Being involved in the arts makes life richer and more beautiful.”
