Battle of the Bands

Battle Of the Bands Winchfield Festival

Be part of something new – Saturday 20th June, 2026

For the first time in its 27-year history, the Winchfield Festival is launching a Battle of the Bands — an exciting opportunity for young performers to take to a professional stage, perform to a live audience, and develop their musicianship in a supportive festival environment.

The Winchfield Festival is a registered charitable trust, held every two years, with a mission to:

  • Promote and encourage musicianship among young people
  • Raise funds to support music education through grants

This new Battle of the Bands is a natural extension of that mission — putting young talent front and centre.

Who can Take Part & How it Works

Who can take part

We’re inviting applications from:

  • Young performers based in North Hampshire and West Surrey
  • Soloists, bands, ensembles, and vocal groups
  • All musical genres — classical, rock, pop, traditional and more

Applications must be submitted by a responsible adult (e.g. parent, teacher or guardian), who will act as the main point of contact.

How it works

  • Applications are submitted in advance (see below)
  • Six acts will be selected to perform live
  • Each act will be given a 15-minute set
  • Performances take place on Saturday 20 June 2026

From these:

  • Two finalists will be chosen by a judging panel
  • Finalists return on 28 June
  • They will perform as a warm-up act for the festival headliner

The judges’ decision is final.

This isn’t just a competition — it’s a genuine performance opportunity. Selected acts will:
  • Perform on a professional festival stage
  • Be supported by a full sound and lighting crew
  • Play to a live audience of up to 500 people
  • Be part of the Winchfield Village Fete, a vibrant community event
Most importantly, the emphasis is on development and experience, not just winning.

Details, Safeguarding & Applications

Each act receives 15 minutes of stage time

  • Changeovers are strictly managed to ensure fairness
  • A drum kit will be provided
  • Performers should bring their own instruments and amps

All technical infrastructure (PA, lighting, power, etc.) is professionally managed by the festival team.

Judging

A panel of judges will assess performances based on:

  • Strength of performance
  • Musicianship
  • Stage presence
  • Audience reaction

Safeguarding & practicalities

  • All performers under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
  • All communication will be handled via that adult
  • Any electronic equipment must be PAT tested

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by email and include:

  • Name and contact details of the responsible adult
  • Names and ages of all performers
  • A description of the act (e.g. rock band, solo vocalist, classical violinist)
  • Instruments being used
  • An audio or video sample (or link)

Accepted formats:
MP3 (.mp3), AAC (.m4a), ALAC (.m4a), MP4 (.mp4) or online links

Email: msleeper@winchfieldfestival.org

Selection process

If the competition is oversubscribed, priority will be given to acts who demonstrate a strong level of musical ability through their submitted material.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: Friday 22 May 2026 (close of business)
  • Live performances: Saturday 20 June 2026
  • Finalists return: Sunday 28 June 2026

Location

Barley Mow Field
Winchfield, Hampshire
RG27 8DE

(All performances take place in a large marquee with full stage, sound and lighting.)

It’s all about the music

This is your chance to step onto a festival stage, perform to a real audience, and be part of something special.

If you know a young musician ready for that opportunity — we’d love to hear from you.