Contests, festivals and open calls: United Kingdom
FOCUS Wales 2027 (prior cycle closed ~1 Nov)Wrexham, Wrexham, UKApplications close: 2026-11-01Liverpool Sound CityLiverpool, Liverpool, UKApplications close: 2027-01-30The Great Escape 2027 (opens ~Oct–Nov; free via CD Baby partnership; selections by ~31 Mar)Brighton, Brighton, UKApplications close: 2027-02-15Wide Days (talent development / New From Scotland)Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UKApplications close: 2027-02-272000treesUpcote Farm, Cheltenham, Festivals — majorNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageA Stone's Throw FestivalNorth Shields (Newcastle area), Showcase festivals (with open submissions)No published deadline — check the organiser's pageAmplified Festival (Sheffield)Sheffield (Corporation), Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageArcTanGentSomerset → Cotswolds (2027), Festivals — majorNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageBingley WeekenderBingley, W. Yorkshire, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageBloodstock Open AirCatton Park, Derbyshire, Festivals — majorNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageBoardmastersNewquay, Cornwall, Festivals — majorNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageBoiler RoomLondon, UK / global, Electronic — festivals & conferencesNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageBurn It Down FestivalTorquay (The Foundry + 2 rooms), Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageCall of the WildLincolnshire Showground, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageCambridge Folk FestivalCambridge, Indie/Folk — festivals & showcasesNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageCamden RocksLondon (Camden, multi-venue), London, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageCeltic Connections — Danny Kyle Open StageGlasgow, Glasgow, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageDon't FlopUK (nationwide events), Hip-hop — contests & open formatsNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageDot to DotBristol + Nottingham, Bristol + Nottingham, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageDownload FestivalDonington Park, Festivals — giantNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageGlastonburyPilton, Somerset, Festivals — giantNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageGlastonbury Emerging Talent CompetitionPilton (online entry), UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageHit the NorthNewcastle, Newcastle, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageIsle of Wight FestivalNewport, IoW, Festivals — giantNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageKendal CallingLowther Deer Park, Lake District, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageLive at Leeds: In The CityLeeds, Leeds, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageMacmillan FestNottingham (multi-venue), Nottingham, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageOpen Mic UKUK (regional auditions + national final), UK (regional auditions → national final)No published deadline — check the organiser's pageOutput BelfastBelfast, Belfast, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageRADAR FestivalManchester (O2 Victoria Warehouse), Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageReading & LeedsReading + Leeds, Festivals — giantNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageRebellion FestivalBlackpool (Winter Gardens), Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageSlam Dunk FestivalHatfield + Leeds, Festivals — majorNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageSurface FestivalUK-wide (defunct), UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageTRNSMTGlasgow, Festivals — giantNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageTakedown FestivalPortsmouth Guildhall, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageTeenStarUK, UKNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageTruck FestivalSteventon, Oxfordshire, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageUK Americana Music Week (AMA-UK)London (Hackney), Indie/Folk — festivals & showcasesNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageUprising FestivalLeicester (O2 Academy), Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageWacken Metal Battle UKUK-wide, Contests & emerging-artist programsNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageWireless FestivalLondon, Hip-hop/R&B — festivalsNo published deadline — check the organiser's pageY Not FestivalPikehall, Derbyshire, Festivals — midNo published deadline — check the organiser's page