An electrifying new youth music competition has officially launched to spotlight the next generation of musical talent. Battle of the Sounds 2026 is calling on talented solo artists, singers, rappers, and bands aged 15–23 to step forward, perform live, follow in the footsteps of famous musicians, and make their mark on Bray’s iconic Seafront Bandstand. As a major highlight of the vibrant #SummerInBray calendar, this competition offers young musicians a platform to perform to a live festival crowd.
What You Can Win:
This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a career-launching opportunity. Young acts will be competing for incredible prizes, including:
- The Headline Slot: A coveted live performance headlining the Worldfest – a brand-new weekend built entirely around music, food, and wellness.
- A recording session in Camden Recording Studios.
- The Gear: A premium equipment voucher from Everest Music to upgrade their musical setup.
- The Live Gig: A future gig slot at the legendary venue, The Harbour Bar.
- The Exposure: Finalists will have their tracks featured on the official #SummerInBray Spotify playlist.
The Competition Timeline, the journey to the main stage, follows a clear path this summer:
- Applications Open: Monday, 18th May 2026
- Applications Close: Sunday, 15th June 2026
- Live Semi-Final Auditions: Week 22nd – 28th June on the Backstage@duffs
- The Grand Final: Saturday, 11th July 2026. Finalists will battle it out live on the Bray Seafront Bandstand.
Submissions and auditions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges, featuring Irish music industry professionals and local music legends.
How to Enter
To streamline the application process and keep entries secure, musicians can apply here.
Applicants will be required to submit their artist/band name, a short bio, contact information, and links to their music (Spotify, SoundCloud, or video links) via the embedded digital entry form.
The competition is open to all musical genres. In line with event safety and regulations, all applicants under the age of 18 must secure parental or guardian consent to enter, which can be verified directly on the bray.ie application form.
Full Terms & Conditions
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before entering the Battle of the Sounds 2026 competition. By submitting an application via bray.ie, you (the “Entrant” or “Act”) agree to be bound by the following rules.
Eligibility
- Age Limit: The competition is open to solo artists, duos, rappers, and bands, with all performing members aged 15 to 23 on the date of the final (11th July 2026).
- Location: The competition is open to music acts currently residing, studying, or working within the East Leinster region.
- Genre: All musical genres and styles are welcome. Both original music and covers are permitted, though performing original material is highly encouraged.
Under-18s & Parental Consent
- Anyone under the age of 18 on the date of submission must obtain parental or guardian consent to enter the competition.
- The online application form on bray.ie includes a mandatory declaration checkbox for parental/guardian consent.
- Finalists under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at both the live semi-finals and the grand final on the Bray Seafront Bandstand.
Application Process & Key Dates
- How to Enter: Entries must be submitted exclusively via the digital application form here. Entries via email or social media will not be accepted.
- Closing Date: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, 15th June 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Required Materials: Entrants must provide a short bio, contact details, and active web links to their music (e.g., Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, or public social media video links). High-quality studio recordings are not required; clear live rehearsal videos or phone recordings are acceptable.
Progression & Live Performance Stages
- Stage 1 (Online Review): A panel of judges will review all digital submissions. Successful acts selected for the semi-finals will be notified by Friday, 19th June 2026.
- Stage 2 (Semi-Final Auditions): Selected semi-finalists must be available to audition to a judging panel. Auditions will take place during the week of June 22nd to 28th, 2026.
- Stage 3 (The Grand Final): Finalists must be available to perform live on the Bray Seafront Bandstand on Saturday, 11th July 2026.
Performance Logistics, Set Lengths, & Equipment
- Set Length: * Semi-Finals: Acts will be required to perform a strict 10–15 minute set (typically 2 to 3 songs).
- Grand Final: Finalists will perform a 20-minute set on the bandstand.
- Equipment Provided (Backline): A standard “house” backline will be provided at the Grand Final on the Bandstand to ensure quick transition times between acts. This includes a drum kit (excluding cymbals and snare), bass amplifier, guitar amplifier, vocal microphones, and a professional PA system with a sound engineer.
- What to Bring: Guitarists and bassists must bring their own instruments, leads, and effects pedals. Drummers must bring their own sticks, snare drum, and cymbals. Keyboards/synths must be provided by the artist.
- Setup Times: Strict performance schedules and brief line-check windows will be enforced. Failure to arrive on time for a designated slot may result in disqualification.
Judging & Deciding Factors
- Submissions and live performances will be scored by an independent panel of Irish music industry professionals and local music experts.
- Acts will be judged on musicality, performance, originality/interpretation, and crowd engagement.
- The judges’ decision is final at every stage of the competition. No correspondence, appeals, or feedback requests will be entered regarding the judges’ scores or decisions.
Prizes Include:
- The Headline Slot: A coveted live performance headlining the Worldfest – a brand-new weekend on the Bray Seafront Bandstand on Saturday, July 25th, 2026.
- A recording session in Camden Recording Studios.
- The Gear: A premium equipment voucher from Everest Music to upgrade their musical setup.
- The Live Gig: A future gig slot at the legendary venue, The Harbour Bar.
- The Exposure: Finalists will have their tracks featured on the official #SummerInBray Spotify playlist.
Prizes are non-transferable, non-negotiable, and no cash alternatives will be offered.
Media, Publicity, & Copyright
- By entering, acts agree to have their names, bios, music links, and photos used on bray.ie and associated social media channels for promotional purposes.
- Finalists agree to be photographed and filmed during the live semi-finals and the grand final. All media captured remains the property of the event organisers for future marketing use.
- Finalists agree to have one selected track included on the official seasonal streaming playlist for the event.
- Entrants retain full copyright ownership of their original music.
Code of Conduct, Cancellation & Liability
- The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any act that displays inappropriate, offensive, or unprofessional behaviour, or behaviour that brings the event, partners, or the town into disrepute.
- The event organisers reserve the right to alter the competition timeline, venues, or prize elements, or cancel the event entirely due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., extreme weather conditions on the seafront bandstand).
- Participants are responsible for their own personal property at all times. The organisers accept no liability for loss, theft or damage to personal property.
- The organisers will not be liable for any personal injury, loss or damage sustained by participants, except where caused by proven negligence.
About the Event Partners
Battle of the Sounds 2026 is presented as part of the #SummerInBray festival programme, in association with Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, The Martello, and Everest Music.
Introducing Worldfest 2026
Worldfest is the brand-new pulse of the #SummerInBray season, taking over the promenade on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th of July.
This curated weekend brings a fresh, global energy to the seafront, focusing entirely on Music, Food, and Wellness. Attendees can explore international street food at the Promenade Market, dance to raw global rhythms from live performers, and find total balance with beachfront wellness, alongside the essential thrills of the Seafront Funfair.
Sun. Fun. A #SummerInBray State of Mind…
Our official 2026 events calendar and festival guide will be dropping here at a later date. Don’t miss a single beat—stay in the loop and be the first to know about our big announcements by following us on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
The #SummerinBray campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council and bray.ie.