Bluesfest has bitten the dust, Splendour in the Grass has gone to ground and the Big Day Out is just a memory.But, faced with the prospect of a festival-free future, seven students from Northlakes High School on the NSW Central Coast decided to create their own.Northwave was staged in the school's gymnasium, with the teens coordinating everything from booking acts to marketing and lighting.Northlakes High School students Drew Perrot-Schryver (left), Blake King (middle) and Brock Rhodes (ABC News: Shauna Foley)"We couldn't wait to have our own and show everyone what a couple of teenagers are capable of," student Drew Perrot-Schryver said.Students coordinated the marketing and band selection for Northwave. (Supplied: Northlakes High School)The event was the final assessment for their VET Entertainment Industry Studies course, which they studied alongside their regular year 12 classes.One of the student organisers, Brock Rhodes, said it was a "no-brainer" to choose a live music festival."The previous students to do this [class] held a disco and then a haunted house, but we knew we wanted to create something totally different," he said."I feel very lucky to have been part of this … because we're the first to take on a new idea but also a new set of challenges."To fund their festival, the seven students coordinated multiple sponsorships from local businesses and raised funds at a community barbecue.Young bands from the Central Coast were chosen to play on the main stage. (ABC News: Shauna Foley)Teacher Nathan Murray said he and the school were "completely hands-off" in organising the event."The students had to get initial approval from the principal, and understand the equipment and equipment they'd need," he said."They're so driven and keen, even though we've seen [festivals] get cancelled left and right, the students are really passionate about being part of the industry."'Hands on' experienceMore than 300 festival goers filled a makeshift mosh pit built in the school gymnasium.The six bands on the bill were all young, local and predominantly in the metal or rock genre.One of the performers was local musician Cameron Barnett, who goes by the stage name Jinjo.Central Coast artist "Jinjo" was the last act to play at the student-led music festival (ABC News: Shauna Foley)He said the night may have paved the way for more events in the region's heavy music scene."It's really special to give [heavier] bands a platform … our art is usually pushed to the side, but now we get to be centre stage," Mr Barnett said.Organiser Blake King, 17, said it was unintentional that the event turned into a "rockfest"."Teenagers want live music no matter what, it made sense to have music they could move and possibly mosh to," he said."The closest place for us [teenagers] to be at a big rock and all-ages festival is in Sydney, which is almost two hours away."Blake was the sound engineer for the event. (ABC News: Shauna Foley)The rookie promoters will gain a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services.Mr Murray said the exercise provided invaluable and practical experience for the students to get started in the industry."It's so much more beneficial to send the kids out to the world with more than just an ATAR, but something tangible on their resume," he said.The student organiser said creating Northwave was "extremely rewarding". (ABC News: Shauna Foley)Bigger and bolderIt is the third year Northlakes High School has offered the VET Entertainment Industry Studies course.Mr Murray said the students involved had supported many other productions in addition to coordinating the live music festival.Teacher Nathan Murray (front) with the seven students behind Northwave. (ABC News: Shauna Foley)"[The students] have helped with other musical events, the annual talent show and a film festival," he said."So, they've gained experience in a much smaller capacity to continue sharpening their skills throughout the year."After the success of Northwave, Mr Murray said future classes would want to go bigger and bolder."I'm not sure how the school will keep up," he said."I think we'll have to hold a three-day music festival now."But that's the point, we want the next generation of the entertainment industry to continue to be inspired and dream big."SoulVessel were among the performers at the festival. (ABC News: Shauna Foley)