The Talent Lab
Where New Talent Comes to Life!

Curated and supported by

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The Talent Lab is StarFest’s creative sanctuary designed for young people to relax, connect, and explore their passion for music and the arts, in their own space at there own pace. This dynamic space is packed with loads to do, experts to chat to and artists to listen to across three separate areas:

The Production Studio – where the worlds of analogue and digital music collide… Dive into hands-on workshops in DJing, beatboxing, sampling and even song writing all led by industry pros.

The Creative Studio – Get behind the scenes with costume design, photography, Illustrative and prop design workshops – see what it’s really like to work behind the scenes.

The Chill Zone – Hang out, enjoy live performances from young artists breaking into the industry, play on a F1 Simulator or just enjoy a space where you can meet new people and soak up inspiration in a relaxing and chilled out environment.

Whether you’re here to learn, perform, or just chill, The Talent Lab is your backstage pass to the creative industries - a place where new talent truly comes to life.

The Production Studio

Step into the beating heart (The engine of the melody) of The Talent Lab—the Production Studio - where young creatives can dive head first into the world of music, sound, and performance. This high-energy, hands-on space is packed with opportunities to explore, experiment, and express your musical passions while learning directly from professionals working in the industry today.

Whether you’re just starting out or already dreaming of a career in music, the Production Studio offers real tools, real guidance, and real inspiration. Here’s what you’ll find:

DJ Skills Workshops

Jump on the decks, mix your first set, and learn the tricks to get the crowd moving – no experience needed, just good vibes and big beats.

Music Production Masterclasses

ACM opens the stage for a live recording session, where artists lay down a track and audiences see the process in action.

Find Your Instrument Zone

A hands-on space where you can explore different sounds, experiment with playing, and discover the instrument that speaks to your style and energy.

Rap Sessions

Level up your rap flow, connect with fellow artists, and build your confidence dropping bars in a chilled, supportive vibe.

AJ & Curtis chat about FINT

Catch reality TV stars AJ and Curtis chatting about their cool new app that’s making money stuff way easier and way smarter.

The Songwriting Camp

Dive into the buzz of festival life and create your own music magic. Team up with fellow young artists, throw down lyrics, build beats, and bring your track to life – all in the heart of the action.

GuitarFest

Pick up new skills, from chords to picking and lead lines, in a fun, hands-on session — guitars provided, just bring your energy!

The Creative Studio

Unleash your imagination and get hands-on behind the scenes in The Creative Studio, a bold, immersive space where art, tech, beauty, and storytelling collide. This is the zone for those who dream in colour, think in pixels, and want to explore the full spectrum of creative careers beyond the spotlight. Whether you’re into visual design, gaming, special effects, or digital storytelling, The Creative Studio is packed with workshops and activities that let you dive deep, try new things, and bring your wildest ideas to life.

How to become the best illustrator

Get playful with bold, imaginative drawing techniques, sharpen your skills, and collaborate through doodles in a fun, no-pressure session for all levels.

Behind-the-Scenes Creativity

Get hands-on and dive into the full creative journey of prop-making —from wild ideas to bold designs that could shape next year’s CarFest!

Costume Creation

Dive into fabric, fashion, and fun in this playful, hands-on session where you’ll explore bold designs and bring your own creative looks to life!

A Photo’s Journey

From first snap to final shot, get hands-on with the full creative process of photography in this all-levels session packed with tips, tricks, and visual inspiration.

The Chill Zone

Welcome to the heart of The Talent Lab - the Chill Zone - a relaxed, welcoming space designed exclusively for young people to take a breather, soak up inspiration, and connect with others who share their creative passions. Whether you’ve just come from a DJ session, finished creating the next best prop or costume, or are simply looking for somewhere to unwind, the Chill Zone offers a calm, cool corner where you can do exactly that - chill. But don’t be fooled by the name, this zone is buzzing with opportunities to listen, learn, and even step into the spotlight.

Meet, mingle and make friends

Whether you’re here for the music, the creativity, or just to chill, this is the perfect spot to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, and make new friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Play on the Samsung F1 Rigs

Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing with Samsung’s cutting-edge F1 Rigs – test your reactions, challenge your mates, or just enjoy the ride.

Live performances

After the workshops, catch intimate acoustic sets from ACM and 8Ray’s rising stars as they showcase their talent live on stage.

Meet The Chill Zone Live Performers

Amber Saqladi
Amber Saqladi
Amelie Holden
Amelie Holden
Charlie Ward
Charlie Ward
Cold July
Cold July
Darling
Darling
ElectroLive
ElectroLive
Harry Eley
Harry Eley
Huw Lloyd
Huw Lloyd
Jack Browett
Jack Browett
Rupture
Rupture
SPL/T
SPL/T
Stonny the Donny
Stonny the Donny
Stormchasers
Stormchasers
Tajah & Liv
Tajah & Liv

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