BandStorm is an exciting battle of the bands competition for young people aged 13 – 18 (Y9 – 13), in partnership with Absolute Music. 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.

BandStorm 2027 is going to be HUGE!

We are buzzing to announce that our Hub partners across the South Coast Music Partnership are going to be joining in, running their own BandStorms in their respective areas. There will be four separate competitions: SoundStorm (BCP), Southampton, IOW and Portsmouth! Then, in an exciting evolution of BandStorm, the TOP TWO bands from each area will go through to a REGIONAL GRAND FINAL! 

This Grand Final will be held at EngineRooms in Southampton (21/03/27) where we will have the very first BandStorm Winners across the SCMP for 2027! 

How to get involved:

Are you in a band, (members all aged 13-18), live across BCP, Southampton, IOW or Portsmouth, and fancy getting some fantastic auditioning and gigging experience? 

Apply for Southampton, IOW and Portsmouth bands:

• If you are applying from Southampton or IOW click here to be taken to details of their competition, including how to apply.
• If you are applying from Portsmouth click here to be taken to details of their competition, including how to apply.

Apply for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area (BCP) bands:

• Complete the application form here.  
• Applications open Monday 2nd November 2026 and close Friday 12th December 2026.
• 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.

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 – 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!
• SoundStorm (BCP) Applicants Only: Send your video audition via wetransfer.com to jo.farley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk not forgetting to put the name of your band in the title of the file.
• VIP: Wetransfer now needs you to select 3 days on the length it is available for Jo to download. This is still FREE to do – no payment subscription is required. If you don’t select this, we will probably need to ask you to resend as it may expire before we have a chance to download it. (for example please don’t sent it on Christmas Eve/Day/Boxing Day or New Years Eve/Day!) See screenshot below. 

Wetransfer, set on 3 days expire.

The Competition 

Please note, specific dates and locations are applicable to the SoundStorm BandStorm competition only. 

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.

SoundStorm (BCP) BandStorm Heats are happening Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2027, at Absolute Music (BH11 8NE) 

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 venue for the final and these tickets will be able to be purchased in advance.

The Final: Tuesday 16th March 2026 @ The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth

Usually 5 or 6 bands are selected to compete in the BandStorm Final, 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 – including music equipment vouchers and studio time, with a dedicated engineer at Absolute Music Studios!

Then…

NEW FOR 2027! ANNOUNCING THE BANDSTORM REGIONAL GRAND FINAL at EngineRooms, Southampton, SUNDAY 21st MARCH 2026!

Yes! That’s right! We promised bigger and better than ever! The top two bands from each area’s final will then come together for an epic showcase of the region’s finest young talent!

One judge will be selected from each area’s competition to make up the ultimate panel, and bands will perform their sets from their area’s final. 

For SoundStorm area bands, this does mean a lightening fast turn around – from The Old Fire Station on Tuesday 16th March and then the same week Sunday 21st March at EngineRooms – clear the diary now and get ready for an epic run up to the end of March!

Oh – and did we mention – there will be MORE prizes up for grabs – including a music video and photo shoot! 

Watch the videos from previous years here: