Young music artists wanted for city centre performances in Plymouth next summer
Eight young music acts are being sought to help shape the sound of Plymouth next summer, as a new city centre programme opens to support the next generation of emerging artists.
Plymouth City Centre New Music 2026 will support eight Plymouth-based music acts aged 16–25 to perform live in the heart of the city, while gaining hands-on experience of recording, releasing and promoting original music.
The selected artists will perform as supporting acts at the new Amphitheatre space in Plymouth City Centre, across a Saturday programme running from June to September 2026. Alongside paid performances, artists will take part in a structured development opportunity designed to build skills, confidence and industry knowledge.
An open call is launched today by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Centre Company and and Plymouth Music CIC to put the eight artists on centre stage next summer.
Each selected act will receive a career support package valued at £700, including:
A paid 30-minute supporting performance in the city centre Amphitheatre (£250 fee)
Professional recording and mixing of a single at DBS Studios
A workshop focused on releasing music and getting tracks onto streaming platforms
Mentoring and creative support from Grace Lightman, producer, songwriter, performer and Plymouth’s Music Ambassador
Inclusion on the Plymouth City Centre New Music playlist on streaming platforms
The programme is open to all music genres and welcomes applications from emerging and unsigned artists, whether performing solo or as part of a band.
Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “We know how transformative the right opportunity at the right time can be for young artists.
“Plymouth City Centre New Music is designed to support emerging talent not just to perform, but to develop, record and release their own work, building confidence, experience and momentum for what comes next.
“We know we have incredibly talented young musicians in this city and we want to provide a platform for them to showcase their talent.”
Steve Hughes, CEO of Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “Live music plays a vital role in creating a vibrant, welcoming city centre. This programme puts Plymouth’s talented young musicians front and centre, bringing our public spaces to life, attracting people into the city centre and helping to make it a place people want to spend time in.”
Who can apply:
Artists based in Plymouth
Aged 16–25
Solo performers or bands (at least 80% of band members must be aged 16–25)
All genres welcome
All activity will take place at weekends. Recording sessions will be held across a number of dates in April, with availability agreed with artists in advance of confirming their place in the programme.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted in written, audio or video formats, with flexibility built in to support access needs. The deadline to apply is Monday 16 February 2026 at 10am.
Artists who are unsure whether they are eligible are encouraged to get in touch for an informal conversation before applying.
To apply, visit plymouthculture.co.uk/new-music
Plymouth City Centre New Music 2026 is supported by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Centre Company, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Music CIC and DBS Institute.
