It’s January 29^th, 2020, the end of hibernation is drawing to a close. I hope you are fuelled by the promise found in the demise of Winter. Take that positivity, push through and compose your bands 2020 festival plans.

Where are you going to play? How are you going to apply? Is your band match fit? Ultimately, you are in charge of these considerations. However, if it's of any advice – go out, cast the net and see what your music brings in.

Festivals are vital in breaking your act, increasing its reach and attracting exposure in new territory. They provide an excellent method for new acts to break through, they are incredibly career affirming and fun. Now, before we jump straight in here is some advice;

Is your music rehearsed to a high standard?   

Remember, you can land a festival and not be ready for it. Perhaps you are not as tight as you could be and maybe there are out of tune backing vox, and wonky arrangements in the set?  Record your practice sessions be critical and act on it.  Festivals are a shot at attracting fans/industry to your band – however, if you turn up and play poorly, it is a wasted opportunity.

Now, if you already playing blinding shows in your local scene, then you will have started to gather momentum and a buzz. This makes the next step easier.

Get on top of your socials and have a story

Going beyond the high follower count (this certainly helps) having something upcoming to promote during the festival season is useful in landing slots.  Ever wondered why so many releases are in the early Autumn?

Imagine, you have Glasto – you released a single in March, there has been some radio promotion, and as a consequence you have  boosted your social network. There is a buzz, and in September the EP comes out. This is a plus for bookers, they know that on an EP campaign you will engage PR, perhaps land some further radio plays, spotify playlists and engage in interviews. In turn, you will be plugging the festival, which ultimately will lead to higher ticket sales. If your band can demonstrate an increase in revenues for a festival, you have higher chances of getting on the bill.

Look pro, act pro

Sort out your image, take photos, make an EPK and, most importantly have music which vibes. It has to sound big and be at a professional level. Conveniently, you'll find a wealth of information through our blogs and videos that can help with all these aspects.

Let’s get applying

If you feel your band is ready for the festival stage, there is nothing left to do then apply. To help you, here is a list of upcoming UK festival dates with application URLs. Remember, there is a range of genres in this list – always consider if your act fits the requirements - if it does STOP READING AND GET APPLYING!

Upcoming UK festivals

Black Deer Festival |19^th – 21^st  Jun

Arc Tangent | 20^th – 23^rd Aug

Glastonbury | 24^th – 28^th June

Ramblin Man |17^th – 19^th July

Steelhouse Festival |24^th- 26^th July

Isle of Wight Festival |11^th  – 14^th June

Camp Bestival | 30^th  – 02^nd August

Focus Wales 2020 | 07^th – 09^th May

Reading and Leeds Festival |28^th – 30^th August

Download |12^th-14^th  June

Liverpool Sound City | 01^st -03^rd May

Big Love Festival | 12^th – 15^th June

The Great Escape |13^th – 16^th May

Tramlines (Apps Open Closer to the Event) | 31^st  – 02^nd July

Leestock | 23^rd  – 24^th May

Camden Rocks | 30^th – 31^st May

Latitude | 16^th - 19^th July

Kendal Calling | 30^th July – 02^nd Aug

Nozstock | 23^rd  – 27^th July

Standon Calling | 23th – 26^th  July

Wireless festival |  3^rd  – 5^th July

51^st state festival | 01^st Aug

Neighbourhood Weekender | 23^rd  May

HowTheLightGetsIn Festival | 22^nd May – 25^th May

Worcester Music Festival |11^th Sep – 13^th Sep

Hastings Beer and Music festival | 01^st July – 04^th July

Strawberries and Creem Festival | 20^th June

Slam Dunk Festival | 24^th May

Boomtown Fair | 12^th August – 16^th August

All points East | 29^th May – 31^st May

Victorious Festival | 28^th - 30^th Aug

Notable mentions

BBC Introducing | Multiple festival stages

Gigmit  | Offering multiple Gigs Worldwide