APPLY TO PLAY FRESHERS WEEK 2026
We have several performance support slots available for existing and new students in Sheffield and Brighton during Freshers Week 2026. More headliner announcements coming soon.
Apply to PLAY FOR FRESHERS WEEK
Apply to Play is WaterBear’s open call for students to earn a support slot at one of our Freshers Week headline shows. Each year we invite new and existing students across our Brighton and Sheffield campuses to put themselves forward for the chance to perform alongside established professional artists at some of the best venues in both cities.
One of the ways WaterBear puts its ethos into practice is by giving students the chance to perform in professional environments early in their studies. Freshers Week support slots are a perfect example of that – real stages, real crowds, and real experience performing next to musicians who have been doing this at the highest level.
BRIGHTON SUPPORT SLOTS
Monday 14th September 2026
- Headliner: Mae Hill
- Location: The WaterBear Venue, Brighton
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
Tuesday 15th September 2026
- Event: QueerBear
- Location: WaterBear MusicBar, Brighton
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
Wednesday 16th September 2026
- Headliner: Caity Baser
- Location: Concorde 2, Brighton
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
Thursday 17th September 2026
- Performers: Beanie/SMH/Equilibrium, Waymore
- Location: The WaterBear Venue, Brighton
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
SHEFFIELD SUPPORT SLOTS
Monday 14th September 2026
- Headliner: TBC (Promoter: 48 Volts)
- Location: WaterBear Green Room, Sheffield
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
Tuesday 15th September 2026
- Headliner: Tigercub
- Location: Corporation, Sheffield
- Apply to play deadline: 31st July 2026
APPLY TO PLAY
If you would like to support any of these incredible bands or artists, we have support slots for new and returning students.
New Students – For musicians joining WaterBear this year please apply via Backstage.
Returning Students – If you are a returning student please apply by emailing [email protected] with your bio, EPK and links to your music along with your name, the course you are/will be studying and the year group. Please specify in the title of your email the band and date you’re applying to support.
