APPLY TO PLAY
Artist applications for The Great Escape 2026, in partnership with CD Baby, opens on Monday 15th September and there is no fee to apply.
All submissions are carefully reviewed by our booking team. If selected, you’ll be contacted directly by 31st March 2026.
Artist applications will remain open until 15th February 2026.
The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre and every corner of the globe. As the world’s leading festival for discovering new music, TGE offers a unique chance to showcase your talent in front of thousands of music fans, alongside 450+ emerging acts performing across 30+ venues in Brighton from 13th–16th May 2026. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with the influential industry figures who come to TGE each year in search of the next big thing.
Previous TGE performers include Adele, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, HAIM, AJ Tracey, Skepta, Charli XCX, Kneecap, Sleep Token, Wolf Alice, Dave, Hozier, Lewis Capaldi and many more.
CD Baby is a proud partner of The Great Escape, supporting independent artists at every stage of their careers.
CD Baby is one of the world’s largest distributors of independent music, trusted by over 2 million artists with nearly 20 million tracks on 150+ digital platforms. For 25 years, CD Baby’s artist-services platform has streamlined distribution, rights management, and promotion—helping musicians reach new fans, earn royalties, and maintain full creative control. Founded by artists for artists, CD Baby exists to empower independent musicians to thrive on their own terms.
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