The Press Play trio, Rueben Heenan, Brad Smit and Sam Gale, have come a long way since first turning tracks at local nightclubs.

The March event will add to their growing list of big-name appearances, including Summadayze, Stereosonic and Creamfields.

“It’s a great experience,” Mr Heenan said. “It’s just playing the smaller stages for now. The aim will be to play the larger stages and travel overseas.”

For Mr Heenan, DJ-ing has been a long labour of love.

“The first time I went out I fell in love with the music,” he said. “I saved up money working at a local IGA and bought my own set up.”

Mr Heenan and Mr Smit met through playing sets at Bendigo’s HuHa nightclub, and later joined with Mr Gale as MC. The three are now forging a career in production work.

“We’ve both been DJ-ing since 2006 but only formed Press Play last year,” he said. “A lot of us do it as a hobby and give it up around 30.

“You need to produce your own music to make a career out of it, and that’s the direction we’re headed.”

Headlining the festival alongside Havana Brown will be Sydney DJ Helena and Ministry of Sound’s John Course together with a number of local acts from across central Victoria.

“As well as its massive headliners, Bounce Music Festival supports young talent with over 14 local and regional up-and-coming DJs,” event organiser Craig Cooper said.

“This event not only brings first class entertainment right to Bendigo’s doorstep but also allows massive opportunities for the towns tourism and will benefit all local businesses.”

The event, to be held at the Bendigo Racing Club, will coincide with the Bendigo Jockey Club’s Golden Mile Race Day festivities.