Muddy River Children's Country Music Awards in Whanganui in July

From left: Lexus Hirst, 8, Sophie Toyne, 8, Sadie Toyne, 3, Logan Jhaede Jacobs, 7, and Stevie Toyne, 6, will compete at the Muddy River Children's Country Music Awards in Whanganui next month. Photo / Supplied

The Muddy River Children's Country Music Awards are on their way and young Whanganui singers are rehearsing with their mentor and competition convener Elaine Holden.

Holden, a seasoned performer herself, says the calibre of young Whanganui singers is very high and the competitions will provide a great show for the audience.

She holds fortnightly workshops to help children with their singing abilities as well as microphone technique and prepares them for the awards.

"We have a great group of local kids who come each time and love it.

"These awards also attract children from all over New Zealand with competitors coming from as far as Ashburton and Hamilton to participate."

Holden initiated the awards five years ago and said the competition is growing every year.

The Muddy River awards are sanctioned by the New Zealand Country Music Awards organisation and the junior and senior overall winners, as well as the songwriting winner, qualify to compete in the national Entertainer of the Year awards in Tauranga later this year.

Competitors are aged 2 to 18, and awards are split into littlies (2-7), junior (7-13) and intermediate (13-18).

"They will be backed by a professional live band. The experience gives the children stage craft skills, and an opportunity to perform for an audience," says Holden.

Children perform in sections such as traditional (pre-1955) gospel, female, male, open song choice, country rock and an open duet and group section.

Holden says the not-for-profit Muddy River Children's Country Music Awards is one of only two operating in the North Island.

Muddy River Children's Country Music Awards: Saturday, July 7, St Andrew's Church hall, Glasgow St. Competitions start from 8am and the night finals concert starts at 7pm. Day admission costs are $10 adults, $5 children. Night session admission is $10 adults and $5 children. Alternatively, day/night passes are available for a discounted rate of $15 adults and $7.50 for (non-competing) children if bought before 11am on the day of the awards. Tea, coffee and food will be available to buy at the venue. Contact Elaine Holden on 027 428 6043 or email muddyriverawards@gmail.com