We’re on the hunt for Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire musicians aged 14-25 to play our New Dawn stage at First Light Festival 2027. As well as the chance to perform on our emerging artists stages, a headline slot on our main Sunlight Stage and the chance to play at Latitude Festival is up for grabs. Do you have a unique voice, an incredible talent or something to say with your music? Want to get your music heard by industry experts and play for thousands of festival goers under the midsummer sun?
Joining forces with Access Creative College and BBC Introducing, First Light Festival’s New Dawn Stage has quickly gained a reputation for being the place to see the hottest young music acts from East Anglia. Following an open call-out, we work with a panel of industry professionals to select the New Dawn headline and programme an exciting mix of sounds for the festival weekend.
Who are we looking for?
The East has a lively, diverse music scene, which we’d love to see reflected in our New Dawn line up. Our expert panel is looking for exciting musicians who are making waves in their area. You might be an established artist breaking through, or a recently formed band. We’re looking for any genre, any style.
For this application, we’ll need a link to a song/track of your choice, as well as a link to a video of you performing live (though this could just be you live from your bedroom). These can be original songs, or covers.
To apply, you must be a music act aged 14-25 (as of June 2027); live, work, play music or have a strong connection to Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, and be available to perform across the First Light Weekend (Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 June 2027).
What do you get out of it?
By applying, you’ll get your music in front of some of the best-connected music professionals in the East: professionals who are all about helping young talent to get noticed. Selected acts will get the chance to play on the New Dawn stage over our First Light Festival weekend in June, and be in with a chance of performing to crowds of thousands on the main Sunlight Stage.
First Light’s new collaboration with Latitude Festival offers the exciting opportunity for a chosen New Dawn act to perform at Henham Park over the weekend of 23-26 July. This is an exciting chance to get yourself and your music out there!
How to Apply
Complete the application form below! Applications will close at noon on Monday 30 November and we will contact successful applicants by 8 January 2027.
We will be holding an New Dawn Apply to Play Online Clinic with First Light Festival Music Co-Ordinator Helen Hayes on … from 6pm – 7pm. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in applying to get advice and tips on making your application stand out. To book your place, click here:
If you have any questions, or if you have any access requirements and would like help completing this form, please email socials@firstlightlowestoft.com