This is your ultimate guide, fellow artists and bands! I’ve done some of the work for you, so all you have to do is apply to as many festivals as you can. Don’t hesitate, be relentless! These festivals are offering you a chance to perform, get noticed, and gain the exposure you deserve. Whether you're just starting or ready to take your career to the next level, this list of events is your ticket to making it happen. So dive in, apply to as many as you can, and keep pushing forward whether you hear back or not, your next big opportunity might be just around the corner! Here’s a roundup of some amazing festivals and gigs you can apply for in 2025!
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1. Liverpool Sound City – 2025
Liverpool Sound City is one of the UK's leading independent music festivals, and the 2025 edition is already underway! Emerging and unsigned artists and bands can apply to perform on this celebrated stage. Every application will be listened to, and feedback will be provided, giving you valuable insight into your music.
Application Deadline: 27th January 2025
Apply Now: Liverpool Sound City Application
2. Harbour Festival, Bristol – July 2025
The Bristol Harbour Festival is a lively celebration of music, arts, and maritime culture, drawing performers and audiences to its iconic waterfront. It's an exciting platform for artists to share their talent in a unique and vibrant setting.
You can apply to perform live at Harbour Festival if you are in a band, a solo act, a DJ or even a choir! Check out the submission form below.
Application Deadline: Friday 31st January 2025
Apply Now: Harbour Festival Application
3. Tramlines, Sheffield - July 2025
Tramlines is one of the UK’s biggest and most exciting city festivals, offering a vibrant mix of music across multiple stages in the heart of Sheffield. With performances from indie, rock, pop, and electronic acts, it's a great opportunity for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
Application Deadline: 31st January 2025
Apply Now: Tramlines Application
4. Rosa Festival, The Peak District 20th - 23rd June 2025
This festival focuses on supporting up-and-coming talent and showcases diverse genres, from DnB and trance to experimental and vocal-driven acts. Applications are open to bands, DJs, vocalists, and poets, with backing from Arts Council England.
Application Deadline: 1st February 2025
Apply Now: Rosa Festival Application
5. The Great Escape Festival, Brighton 8th - 11th May 2025
A hub for showcasing new music, this event draws industry professionals and fans from around the globe. Applications for the 2025 festival are open to artists of all genres through their official platform.
Application Deadline: February 2025
Apply Now: The Great Escape Application
6. Eskfest, Lake District - July 2025
Eskfest is a unique festival set in the stunning Lake District, bringing together a mix of folk, acoustic, and indie performances. With its intimate setting, it offers artists a chance to perform in front of passionate audiences and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Application Deadline: 1st February 2025
Apply Now: Email - eskfestartists@gmail.com
7. Victorious Festival, Portsmouth - August 2025
Victorious Festival, held in the scenic Southsea, brings together an exciting mix of live music, arts, and entertainment. This vibrant festival offers artists and musicians the chance to perform alongside top names across a variety of genres, from indie and rock to electronic. It's a great platform for emerging talent to reach a large audience in a fun, family-friendly environment with stunning views of the coastline.
Application Deadline: 28th March 2025, notified by 15th April 1015
Apply Now: Victorious Festival Application
8. Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham– May/June 2025
Held at Cheltenham Racecourse from May 30th to June 1st, 2025, Wychwood Festival offers a fantastic platform for artists looking to connect with a family-friendly audience. They're now on the lookout for exciting talent to perform at this beloved event. If you want to be part of this iconic festival, make sure to submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 2nd March 2025 (5pm)
Apply Now: Wychwood Festival Application
9. In It Together Festival, Wales - May 2025
The In It Together Festival is a fantastic opportunity for emerging artists to perform alongside big names in the music industry. Held in Margam, Wales, this festival celebrates a diverse range of music genres and provides exposure for new talent, connecting them with both fans and industry professionals.
Application Deadline: April 1st 2025
Apply Now: In It Together Application
10. Exeter Respect Festival, Exeter - June 2025
Exeter Respect Festival is an inclusive and vibrant festival that celebrates diversity and equality, offering a platform for emerging artists from all genres to perform. Exeter Respect Festival is known for its welcoming community spirit and its dedication to promoting social justice, making it a perfect stage for musicians looking to connect with an engaged and diverse audience.
Applications are now open for this exciting festival, where you can showcase your talent and play alongside great acts.
Application Deadline: May 1st 2025
Apply Now: Exeter Respect Application
10. Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol & Nottingham - May 2025
This iconic city-based festival is known for showcasing fresh, emerging talent across various genres, including indie, electronic, and alternative music. Performers will share the stage with established artists and industry professionals, offering a chance to make an impact in front of a vibrant audience.
Application Deadline: May 1st 2025
Apply Now: Dot to Dot Application
12. LOOPFEST, Shrewsbury - May 2025
LOOPFEST in Shrewsbury is a vibrant 3-day celebration of live music, showcasing diverse artists across multiple venues in the town centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity for musicians to connect with new audiences and be part of a thriving local music scene.
Application Deadline: Not specified but slots fill up fast!
Apply Now: LOOPFEST Application
13. Teddy Rocks, Dorset - May 2025
Teddy Rocks Festival, held annually at Charisworth Farm in Blandford, Dorset, is a family-friendly event dedicated to raising funds for children's cancer charities. Featuring a mix of established and emerging artists across multiple stages, it offers an incredible opportunity for performers to showcase their talent while supporting a great cause.
Application Deadline: Not specified but slots fill up fast so apply as soon as you can!
Apply Now: Teddy Rocks Application
14. Recfest, Portchester - April 2025
Recfest UK, which is set to take place in Portchester on April 17, 2025, is currently open for artist applications. It’s a festival dedicated to live music, focusing on emerging talent in the UK music scene. Recfest provides a great opportunity to showcase your music to an enthusiastic crowd.
They don't seem to have a submission page but it's always best to try find an email address and drop them an email or reach out on social media, where there's a will there's a way!
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Recfest Website
15. Folk in a Field Festival, Norfolk - July 2025
Folk in a Field will take place from July 3-6, 2025, at Bradmoor Woods, West Acre, Norfolk. Known for its scenic countryside setting, this festival celebrates folk and acoustic music with an emphasis on discovering new talent. Performers will have the chance to play alongside established and emerging artists in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Application Deadline: Typically Springtime - 2025
Apply Now: Email - folkinafield@yahoo.com
16. Love Supreme
Love Supreme Festival is a celebrated event in the jazz and soul music scene, Love Supreme brings together top international acts and exciting emerging talent. This festival offers a unique opportunity to perform in front of passionate fans and industry professionals, all within a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
If you're an artist with a love for jazz, soul, or funk, applying to perform at Love Supreme is a chance to elevate your music career and be part of a prestigious line-up!
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Email - bookings@neapolitan-music.com
*note: make sure you include links to your music and live video footage where possible*
17. 2000trees Music Festival, Gloucestershire - July 2025
A standout event in the UK’s alternative music scene, 2000trees celebrates an eclectic mix of rock, indie, metal, and more. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning Cotswold setting, this festival is all about championing new talent alongside big names. Great festival to apply for if you are in a band.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Email - bands@2000trees.co.uk
*note: Send only 1 link to your music, YouTube or Spotify preferred*
18. Priddy Folk Festival, Somerset - July 2025
Set in the picturesque Mendip Hills, Priddy Folk Festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of folk music. The festival features performances from both established and emerging artists, with a focus on traditional and contemporary folk. Artists have the opportunity to play in front of a passionate and supportive audience in a beautiful countryside setting.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Email - artists@priddyfolk.org
*note: Send details of your band with information about where else you have performed, why you would be a good fit and any links to useful resources (YouTube of live performances, Soundcloud, Website, etc.)*
19. Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival, Birmingham - July 2025
This vibrant festival brings together top artists from the worlds of jazz, funk, and soul. It’s the perfect stage for both emerging talent and established acts to perform to a passionate and diverse audience.
Applications are now open for artists interested in performing at this energetic celebration of music.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Find all information here - https://mostlyjazz.co.uk/apply-to-play/
20. Splendour, Nottingham - July 2025
Splendour Festival is a dynamic celebration of live music, featuring a mix of top-tier performers across genres, alongside a fun-filled family-friendly atmosphere. It’s an excellent opportunity for emerging artists to perform on a prestigious stage and connect with an enthusiastic crowd.
Applications are now open for artists interested in showcasing their music at this iconic festival.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Email - info@splendourfestival.com
21. Together Again, Chester - July 2025
Together Again Festival is an immersive weekend experience with live music, performances, and festival vibes in the stunning surroundings of Bolesworth Castle. Celebrating a variety of genres from across the UK, this festival offers an opportunity for new talent to perform in a lively and welcoming environment.
Singers, bands or DJs can apply.
Application Deadline: Not Specified but apply as soon as possible!
Apply Now: Together Again Application
22. ArcTanGent
ArcTanGent Festival is a unique celebration of math rock, post-rock, and experimental music. Set in the beautiful countryside near Bristol, the festival brings together innovative artists and fans of boundary-pushing sounds. Bands from all genres with an experimental edge can apply to perform at this intimate event. ArcTanGent is the ideal place to showcase music that challenges the norm.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: ArcTanGent Application
Green Man Festival, Wales - August 2025
Green Man Festival is known for its eclectic mix of music, arts, and culture, the festival attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world. In addition to its incredible line-up, the festival features theatre, comedy, art installations, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Green Man is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and community, providing a truly unique experience for artists and attendees alike.
Their talent competition will be opening soon where they scout headliners. The winner gets a spot on the line-up opening the Mountain Stage, a live recording session & gets to showcase their music to top music industry pros.
Applications for 2025 will open soon so keep your eyes peeled on the their socials!
Application Deadline: Not opened yet but will be soon!
Apply Now: Keep an eye on updates below -
24. Big Feastival, Oxfordshire - August 2025
Big Feastival is a lively festival set in the picturesque Cotswolds, bringing together an exciting mix of food, music, and family fun. Artists performing at this festival can expect to share the stage with a diverse lineup, drawing crowds of music lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a musician or a band, it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your sound in a fun, vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by great food, crafts, and activities for all ages.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Email - performers@thebigfeastival.com
25. Shrewsbury folk festival, Shrewsbury - August 2025
The Shrewsbury Folk Festival is a celebrated annual event in the heart of Shropshire, offering folk, roots, and world music artists the chance to perform in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. With a reputation for featuring top-tier folk acts, this festival is perfect for musicians seeking to connect with passionate fans and fellow performers. It's an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, participate in workshops, and share the stage with renowned artists.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Shrewsbury Folk Festival Application
26. Wokingham Festival, Berkshire - September 2025
The Wokingham Festival is a lively celebration of music, arts, and community. For performers, it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent to a passionate and diverse crowd. Artists from all genres are invited to apply, with chances to perform on multiple stages across the event. This festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere, providing emerging and established acts with exposure to a broader audience.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Wokingham Festival Application
27. Gate to Southwell Festival, Nottinghamshire 3rd - 6th July 2025
Known for its diverse range of roots music, this festival welcomes artists from folk, blues, ska, jazz, and more. Performers can apply for main stages, informal busk stops, or a local showcase night. Applications require live performance links and can be submitted via email.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Apply Now: Gate To Southwell Application
28. British Country Music Festival, Blackpool - September 2026
The British Country Music Festival is the perfect stage for country artists looking to make their mark. This festival celebrates the best of the country music scene, offering a platform for both emerging talent and established acts. Performers will be part of an exciting line-up that attracts both fans and industry professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities. With multiple stages to showcase your sound, it’s a must-apply event for country musicians.
Application Deadline: November 25th 2025
Apply Now: British Country Music Festival Application
Why Apply?
These events offer more than just performance opportunities. They provide a platform to connect with other musicians, get noticed by industry professionals, and build your fanbase.
By performing at these festivals, not only can you gain exposure, credibility, and experience, essential for any artist looking to take their career to the next level, but you also get to do what you love most: sharing your music and passion.
Even if you don’t hear back immediately, don’t get discouraged. Many artists face rejection before landing their breakthrough gig even the massive artists today, you are not alone so keep applying, refining your craft, and pursuing opportunities. Success often comes to those who persevere, and every application is a step closer to your next big performance.
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