SoundStorm: Battle of the Bands - Apply now for 2026!
SoundStorm’s exciting annual battle of the bands is launching for 2026 and we are super excited to be opening the invite to bands across the South Coast Music Partnership for the very first time!
BandStorm gives young bands aged 13 – 18, the opportunity to experience an audition, (often for the very first time), receive positive and constructive feedback on their performance skills from professional musicians, in state-of-the-art specialist facilities at BAMM (Bournemouth Academy of Modern Music).
Bands compete for a place in the Final, which is held at The Old Fire Station, in Bournemouth, a professional live music venue, where some great prizes are up for grabs too as a bonus!
Bands are supported with sound engineers and the SoundStorm team to ensure the whole process is a positive experience where they feel encouraged and supported in their musical journey.
Check out the feature film from last year’s competition where we followed the bands’ journey BandStorm 2025.
Who can apply:
We welcome bands from any experience level and any genre.
young bands aged 13 – 18
from Southampton, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight.
Applications open: 9am Friday 24th October.
Deadline: 12/12/2025
Any questions can come direct to Jo.farley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Please check out the BandStorm page for full details of what’s involved via the button below.