BandStorm is an exciting battle of the bands competition for young people aged 13 – 18 (Y9 – 13), in partnership with Absolute Music and the The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Uni). A highlight of the SoundStorm calendar, our annual battle of the bands has brought to the stage a wonderful array of talented performers, bands and vocalists – do check out the feature videos below.
APPLICATIONS FOR BANDSTORM 2026 ARE NOW CLOSED
Application process:
Are you in a band, at school, college or home educated, live across BCP, Southampton, IOW or Portsmouth, and fancy getting some fantastic auditioning and gigging experience?
STEP 1: Complete the application form below
Please note that confirmation emails aren’t generated automatically from the form but as long as you get to the Thank You message at the end, consider it submitted successfully.
STEP 2: Video audition:
- Your video should be of your band performing 1 track of around 3 minutes which showcases your collective talent and enthusiasm.
- At this first stage it doesn’t need to be polished or professional – we just want to see/hear an example of a song you are rehearsing or have performed, so, a good video you’ve taken on your phone is fine!
- TIP – try to adjust your dynamic/volume levels for the purposes of the video audition so that we can hear all the parts in the video submitted. In the past we’ve received videos where we can only hear one part, or no vocals at all for example, because everyone is playing too loud for the small space they’re in and the device they’re recording on… don’t worry – in the real thing you’ll be able to give us the full throttle energy and the dynamic best suited to your style because you’ll have a Sound Engineer getting you set up!
- Please submit your video audition via the website www.wetransfer.com, send to jo.farley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and make sure to include the name of your band!
The Competition
Once the application deadline has passed, successful bands will be allocated one of two Heats and will be asked to prepare 2-3 songs (covers or originals) lasting no more than 10 minutes:
Heat 1: 21/2/26 (Absolute Music)
Heat 2: 22/2/26 (Absolute Music)
What happens during a Heat?
We carefully select a panel of 3 professional, trusted, encouraging and supportive judges, who are all excellent musicians in their own right, with varying musical backgrounds. You will be given an audition slot – which includes setting up with and chatting to our friendly sound engineer, your audition, followed by some supportive but constructive feedback.
What will I need to bring?
Your instrument and associated leads! There are amps, mics, a drum kit and electric piano supplied in the audition room.
Can our friends and family come to watch us?
YES! We really encourage you to bring a small group of supporters, we have space for 12 of your nearest and dearest to come and cheer you on. Naturally, if you get through to the final, we want everyone to drum up a much larger support group, there is plenty of space at the Old Fire Station and these tickets will be able to be purchased in advance.
The Final: Tuesday 24th March 2026
Usually 5 or 6 bands are selected to compete in the BandStorm Final at The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth, to an audience of family and friends, but it is also open to the public! After an evening of exciting entertainment, it is then down to the judges to decide on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, and the prizes are awarded!
We can’t wait to see you!
