Calling All Young Folk Artists! 🎻✨
Are you under 25 and ready to take your music to the next level? Enter our brand-new Folk Song Competition for a chance to win half a day of professional studio time and a spot on stage at the Wessex Folk Festival 2026!
Whether you’re a solo singer, an instrumentalist, or part of a small band (up to 4 people), we want to hear your unique folk sound.
- To Enter: Just upload a video of your performance or drop a YouTube link in the Form Below.
- Eligibility: Must be under 25 as of 1st June.
Think you’ve got a song that can shine?
Send in your entry now and be part of the festival!
Closing Date April 5th 2026
Firstly – Please read the Terms and Conditions for the Competition and then fill out the Form below with a Video or YouTube link of your Folk Song.
Wessex Folk Festival – Music Competition Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions**
- Eligibility
- The competition is open to performers aged under 25 at 1st June 2026.
- Entrants under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian and must be accompanied by a responsible adult if selected to perform at the festival.
- Type of Performance
- Entrants must perform one folk song.
- Performances may be vocal or instrumental.
- Traditional folk material is preferred, but contemporary folk-influenced pieces are acceptable.
- All material must be suitable for a family audience.
- How to Enter
- Entries must be submitted via the Wessex Folk Festival website.
- Performers may enter by uploading a video performance or providing a YouTube link.
- The submitted video must clearly show and/or feature the performer and their performance.
- Judging Process
- All online submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel appointed by the Wessex Folk Festival Committee.
- Judging will consider musical ability, performance quality, interpretation, and connection to the folk tradition.
- The judges’ decision is final.
- Finalists & Live Performance
- The Winner will be invited to perform live onstage at the Wessex Folk Festival.
- Finalists under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the festival weekend.
- Performance Requirements
- Performers will be asked to present the same song submitted online, unless otherwise agreed with organisers.
- Maximum performance length: 5 minutes.
- A basic PA system will be provided; performers must bring their own instruments and accessories.
- Prize
- The overall winner will receive a Half Day Recording Studio Time.
- The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
- Photography & Video
- By entering the competition, entrants (and parents/guardians where applicable) agree that photos and video recordings may be taken during performances and used by the Wessex Folk Festival for promotional purposes, including online and printed material.
- Behaviour & Safety
- All participants must follow instructions from festival staff and comply with health and safety requirements.
- The festival reserves the right to withdraw participation if behaviour is unsafe or inappropriate.
- Changes & Cancellations
- The Wessex Folk Festival reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions, alter schedules, or cancel the competition if circumstances require.
- Agreement
- Submission of an entry confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions by the entrant and, where applicable, their parent or guardian.
Youth Safeguarding
Wessex Folk Festival is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for young performers. Entrants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent and, if selected to perform at the festival, must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Parents and guardians remain responsible for the care and supervision of their child throughout the competition and festival. Festival staff and volunteers will ensure that performance areas are managed safely and that all interactions with young people are appropriate and professional. Any safeguarding concerns should be raised immediately with the Wessex Folk Festival team. Wessex Folk Festival 2026