Event organiser Brenda Jarry said 315 gymnasts would compete across the two-day event, about 45 more than last year.

Jarry said the event’s popularity and upgrading by Gymnastics Victoria had helped attract more competitors.

The invitational doubles as the western wildcard for state pennant. For the first time, the winning regional teams for levels one to three will be granted automatic entry into the state championships.

Jarry said qualification for the championships tended to be dominated by metropolitan teams so Gymnastics Victoria had introduced western and eastern regional wildcards.

“This way it gives the regional clubs a chance of getting there,” she said. “It is really exciting for is to be given that opportunity.”

Warrnambool’s Springers club will provide 89 competitors. They will be up against rivals from Mildura, Stawell, Natimuk, Portland, Hamilton, Ballarat, Geelong, Melton and Melbourne clubs. A marathon day of competition begins at 8am on Saturday and finishes at 8pm before resuming again at 8am on Sunday.