The Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition is back for its 16th edition and opens for entries on Monday 29 January at 9am. The free-to-enter contest sees bands and solo artists based in the UK and Ireland compete for the chance to play one of the main stages at the world’s biggest festival.
In addition to a slot on one of the main stages, the winner will also be awarded a £5,000 Talent Development prize from PRS Foundation, who once again are supporting the competition with PRS for Music. Two runners-up will also be awarded a £2,500 PRS Foundation Talent Development prize to support their songwriting and help take their live performances to the next level.
‘We’re delighted to be continuing to partner with our friends at Glastonbury Festival and PRS for Music on this fantastic opportunity for music creators,’ Joe Frankland, CEO, PRS Foundation said. Michelle Escoffery, President of the PRS Members’ Council echoed the sentiment saying, ‘The Emerging Talent Competition provides an exciting and unique platform for artists and bands to gain major exposure with new audiences and industry leaders.’
Previous winners of the competition include last year’s, Guinea-born and Cardiff-based musician N’Famady Kouyaté who credits the competition with opening many doors for him. ‘Winning meant that I could take the next steps to further my career. If you think you're ready to take the next steps too, I highly suggest you enter this year's contest.’
How do you enter?
You’ll need a YouTube link to an original song, plus a video of you performing live, all of which should be submitted via the form at glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Entries are only open for 7 days so make sure you apply before 5pm on Monday 5 February.
‘At a time when it's not always easy for acts to get their foot on the ladder, we're really happy to be able to offer this opportunity for rising artists,’ Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis explains, ‘I'm really excited to hear what 2024's entries bring. It's free to enter, so it definitely can't hurt to give it a go!’
Once the entries are in, a panel of 30 of the UK’s best music writers will compile a longlist of 90 acts. This longlist will then be narrowed down by judges, including Michael and Emily Eavis, to a shortlist of eight who will perform at the live finals, where the winning act will be decided.
‘If you’ve ever dreamed of performing at this iconic festival,’ Michelle explains, ‘Now is the time. Submit your song and good luck!’
The 2024 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition is open for entries between Monday 29 January and 5pm on Monday 5 February.
