News and Opportunities

With new two new venue spaces, Boom are looking for bands from across Leeds and surrounding areas for gigs in 2026! Band submissions of all genres are open. We are putting together grassroots gigs throughout the year and we are also building our network for support opportunities. We want want to listen to your music! Any band that follows the link the comments will have their music listened to and be considered for gigs. Find out more and apply.

Celebrating 10 years since YSWN’s founding, the Rewired programme is offering a series of micro-commissions and larger opportunities for women and gender-diverse working with electronic music and sound art in Yorkshire and the Humber. We want to respond to exciting artistic ideas proposed by the YSWN community and embrace varied influences and practices: supporting a diverse cohort of music creators across a range of music genres. Rewired is offering: • 3 x micro commissions

The UK Rap Award, delivered in Partnership with Tiffany Calver, is a 12-month programme for musicians working within UK rap and its sub-genres. It offers more than just financial support — it provides all the tools you need to expand your music and grow your career. Whether you’re developing your sound, expanding your live presence, or refining your business approach, this programme supports your long-term growth with tailored mentoring, peer collaboration, and up to £3,000 i

Black Lives in Music Connect is a four-month mentorship programme designed to support early-career creatives from marginalised communities. This initiative will provide tailored guidance, career development, and industry insight to empower participants to progress confidently within their chosen fields. About the Programme We champion the meaningful participation of people of colour in grassroots music education and activities, working closely with local Music Education Hubs.

BBC Young Musician, the long-running and much-loved biennial competition that celebrates the UK’s most promising classical music young performers, is now open for entries for the 2026 edition. Previous winners and alumni include Sheku Kanneh-Mason (2016), saxophonist Jess Gillam (2016), violinist Nicola Benedetti (2004), pianist Benjamin Grosvenor (2004), pianist Martin James Bartlett (2014), and cellist Laura van der Heijden (2012). The winner of the 2024 competition was pia

Help Musicians is now accepting applications for the 2025 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award! Deadline for applications is at 5pm on...

Wakefield Exchange are looking for talented musicians and bands to perform. Whether you’re a local artist or a touring act, they want to...

Kirklees Most Wanted is a collaborative project aimed at showcasing the vibrant music scene in Kirklees. We believe that local artists...

ARTIST CALLOUT: ALL ABOARD FOR CHANGING GEAR Yorkshire Sound Women Network's artist development programme Changing Gear is back for a...

English Folk Expo is the annual showcase for folk, roots and acoustic music in England. Approximately 200 music industry representatives...

FOCUS Wales 2026 FOCUS Wales is back and will take place in Wrexham over 7-9 May 2026! Submissions are open to all new music artists of...