FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply?
The competition is aimed at emerging bands from Telford and the surrounding area who perform original music.Â
Do bands have to play original music?
Yes. This competition is specifically aimed at bands performing original music. Albert’s Shed continues to support a wide range of live music, including covers bands, but this particular competition has been created to showcase and support original grassroots artists.Â
Where will the competition take place?
The first Battle of the Bands competition will take place at Albert’s Shed Southwater in Telford.Â
When will the events take place?
The three heats will take place on Saturday 3rd, Saturday 10th, and Saturday 17th October 2026, with the final taking place on Friday 6th November 2026.
How many bands will take part?
Each heat will feature four bands. There will be three heats in total, giving twelve bands the opportunity to take part.Â
How does the competition work?
There will be three heats. The winner of each heat will progress to the final. The final will feature the three heat winners.Â
How long will each band play for?
Each band will perform a 20-minute set.Â
How will the winner be decided?
Bands will be judged through a combination of in-venue audience voting and online voting.Â
How does in-person voting work?
Audience members attending the event in person will be able to vote on the night. Each in-person vote will be worth five points.Â
How does online voting work?
Each band’s performance will be filmed. Videos will then be used for online voting after the heat. Each online vote will be worth one point.Â
Why are in-person votes worth more than online votes?
The competition is built around live performance, so the in-venue audience vote carries more weight. Online voting still gives friends, fans and wider supporters the chance to take part.Â
Will performances be filmed?
Yes. Bands taking part should expect their performance to be filmed for online voting and promotional use.Â
Do bands need to agree to being filmed?
Yes. Bands will need to agree to filming and use of performance footage as part of the application process.Â
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee.Â
Is the event free entry?
Yes. The heats and final are planned as free-entry events.Â
What does the winning band receive?
The winning band will receive a prize package intended to support their development, including a professional photo session for their EPK, a day in a recording studio to record a track, and a support slot at a future Albert’s Shed event.Â
Will runners-up receive anything?
All participating bands will be considered for future support slots at Albert’s Shed venues. Further opportunities for finalists or runners-up may be confirmed later.Â
Who is involved in the competition?
The competition is being developed by Albert’s Shed, with involvement from Salopian Mixtape, RML Studios, and Beartown Brewery.Â
How do bands apply?
Bands will apply through an online application form linked from this page.Â
What information will bands need to provide?
Bands should expect to provide contact details, location, music links, social media links, a short biography, confirmation that they perform original music, basic technical requirements, availability, and agreement to filming.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is midnight on Sunday 6th September 2026.
Who chooses the bands for the heats?
Bands will be selected by representatives of Albert’s Shed and Salopian Mixtape.
Can solo artists or duos apply?
The competition is mainly intended for bands, but solo artists or duos may be considered if they fit the original grassroots music purpose of the event.Â
What genres are eligible?
There is no fixed genre restriction. The key requirement is that the act performs original music and is suitable for a live grassroots music competition.Â
Can under-18s apply?
Yes, subject to Albert’s Shed’s standard safeguarding procedures and applicable licensing legislation.Â
Will bands be paid?
A nominal expenses payment will be made available to all bands selected for participation in the event in line with Albert’s Shed’s commitment to never ask artists to play for free. Full details will be confirmed before bands are booked.Â
What equipment will bands need to bring?
Bands should provide their basic technical requirements in the application form. Final arrangements will be confirmed with selected bands before the event. The Albert’s Shed Southwater tech spec can be found here.: albertsshed.co.uk/
Who should bands contact with questions?
Questions can be submitted to botb@albertsshed.co.uk.
What about Shrewsbury bands?
Battle of The Bands Shrewsbury is planned to take place in early 2027 at Albert’s Shed Shrewsbury. Further details will be released in due course.
Your Vote Counts!
Each heat and the Grand Final are decided by a combination of live audience votes and online votes
Live Vote
1 vote = 5 points
Online Vote
1 vote = 1 point
Every vote helps decide who goes through!
Think you’ve got what it takes?
