Apply to play a music festival in 2023

Looking to play a music festival this summer but not sure where to start? 

The success of the live music industry means there are now a huge number of events taking place all over the UK and beyond during the sunshine months. And while this gives punters a huge amount of choice on where to go and what to see, it's also created numerous performance opportunities for new artists, bands, musicians and more. 

To help you navigate this busy time, we've compiled this handy guide for you with links to events and their application forms.

Remember, when applying always read the terms and conditions surrounding your submission as well as the style of music the festival focuses on. If you're an R&B act, then there's no point in applying to play at a heavy metal event."

All artists should take the time to do your research to enhance your chances of success. 

You can also read our previous interview with The Great Escape Festival's booker Adam Ryan and his five tips to improve your chances of being accepted when it comes to applying to play. Good luck! 

April 2023

28th-30th: Liverpool Sound City: apply now

May 2023  

10th-13th: The Great Escape, Brighton: apply now

26th-28th: Mello Festival, Worcester: apply now  

26th-29th: Elderflower Fields, East Sussex: apply now

31st-4th June: Hidden Door, Edinburgh: apply now

June 2023 

1st-5th: Fire in the Mountain: apply now

2nd-4th: Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham: apply now

15th-18th: Isle of Wight Festival: apply now

16th-17th: Beacon Festival, Watlington, Oxford: apply now  

29th-2nd: Barn on the Farm, Gloucester: apply now

29th-3rd: Tech-Fest, Nottingham: apply now

July 2023  

3rd-4th: Glas-Denbury, Devon:  apply now 

3rd-4th: Nibley, Cotswolds: apply now 

3rd-6th: Valley Fest: apply now

5th-8th: 2000 Trees, Gloucester: apply now

6th-9th: Eskfest, Lake District: apply now

7th-9th: Tiree Music Festival, Scotland: apply now  

13th-16th: Beat-Herder Festival, Lancashire: apply now 

20th-23rd: Nozstock, Hertfordshire: apply now 

20th-23rd: Bluedot, Cheshire: apply now 

20th-23rd: Secret Garden Party: apply now 

21st-23rd: Truck Fest: apply now

27th-30th: Camp Bestival, Dorset: apply now 

27th-30th: Cambridge Folk Festival: apply now 

28th-30th: Y Not?, Derbyshire: apply now 

August 2023 

3rd-6th: Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire: apply now 

10th-13th: Bloodstock, Derbyshire: apply now 

10th-13th:110 Above, Leicestershire: apply now 

16th-19th: ArcTanGent, Bristol: apply now  

18th-20th: WeyFest, Surrey: apply now 

18th-20th: Beautiful Days: apply now

25th-27th: Victorious, Portsmouth: apply now 

31st-3rd September: End of the Road, Larmer Tree Gardens: apply now

September 2023 

1st-3rd: Off The Tracks, Donington: apply now

1st-3rd: Moseley Folk Festival: apply now

15th-17th: Worcester Music Festival: apply now 

15th-18th: Equinox Festival, Lincolnshire: apply now

16th: Generator, Newcastle: apply now