Battle of the Bands is a series of heats for young musicians across the West Midlands, building towards StourJam 2027. The winner of the grand final earns a slot at the festival, on 4 to 6 June in Stourport-on-Severn.
Heats are held in Stourport, at venues that are part of StourJam, and the public can come along. Two finalists from each heat go on to compete for a place in the grand final. Dates will be announced soon.
Local schools and colleges are each hosting their own heat. If yours is taking part, they will let you know how to enter. Tell us where you are based on the form and we can point you the right way if your school is already involved.
There is also an independent heat for acts who are not entering through a school. Solo artists, duos, trios, bands and collectives can apply, as long as every member is aged between 11 and 21.
All genres are welcome, whether you are a singer-songwriter, a rapper, an emerging DJ or a full band. Originals and covers are both fine.
If anyone in the act is under 18, a parent or guardian needs to complete a short consent form before you can take part. We send that once your application is in. Everyone taking part also agrees to a code of conduct and to the media terms, which we share before the heats.
The application form opens in a new tab. It is for the independent heat, for acts whose members are all aged 11 to 21.