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2022 is the year that festivals are officially back, and with two years of cancellations to make up for, they’re going to be BIG!

As always, we’re here with our annual guide to European Music Festival Applications, to help you secure places on the line-ups of what promises to be an unforgettable summer of music

Just a quick reminder, this list is just a summary of some of the European festivals that accept applications from independent artists, there are many more out there so we strongly recommend that you also do your own research.

Also, remember to let us know if you do secure a place on a line-up!

PRIL

c/o pop Festival – Cologne, Germany, 20th-24th April 2022 

c/o pop is a festival of discovery, welcoming established artists and newcomers of a variety of genres to multiple indoor and outdoor locations in Cologne, Germany. The festival’s highlights include special events, from label nights to showcases and networking events where labels and musicians can get to know one another. Several notable acts such as Roosevelt and Moderat have played c/o pop before their breakthroughs – proof that c/o pop is a great stepping-stone to international success.

To apply email booking@co-pop.de.

MAY

The Great Escape – Brighton, UK, 11th-14th May 2022 

The Great Escape is the world’s most renowned festival for breaking new talent. Attended by professionals from across the music industry all on the look out for the next big hit, this is a must for up-and-coming artists. Previous line-ups have included Adele, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, HAIM and AJ Tracey.

The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre across the globe. To apply for the chance to play, click here.

Nuits Sonores – Lyon, France, 25th-29th May 2022 

Electronic music festival, Nuits Sonores, is set across over 50 exclusive locations in Lyon, France. This multi-disciplinary event brings together big names with both French and international artists of all electronic and indie genres. It’s pop-up architecture and stage design invites festival-goers to discover the historic Lyon under a different light.

Use the contact page on the Nuits Sonores festival website to apply.

Dot to Dot – Bristol/Nottingham, UK, 28th/29th May 

D2D festival spans two days across two different cities. The lineup repeats in each location, so you have the chance to play both. On this years line-up are some of biggest names in UK indie rock, such as Sports Team and Girl Band.

Apply here. 

JUNE

Sweden Rock – Norje, Sweden, 9th-11th June 

Taking place in Norje in southern Sweden, Sweden Rock offers the best mix of classic rock, hard rock, metal, blues and more related genres. The Nordic rock festival not only offers the best music in the world but prides itself on its excellent service, warm-hearted atmosphere and hospitality, aiming to improve its guests’ level of comfort year on year. Sweden Rock has gained a reputation of being one of the best-organised festivals in the world.

Apply here.

Eden Festival – Scotland, 9th-12th June 

Eden Festival is a vibrant and energetic independent boutique festival, held in the stunning Raehills Meadows in Scotland. It showcases the freshest music from big acts to an abundance of unsigned talent across an array of genres, sourced from all over Scotland and the UK. Eden Festival adopts a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

Apply here.

Sea Sessions – Ireland, 17th -19th June

This 3 day summer festival of is packed with music, surf, sport and partying on the beach. Irish artists and bands can apply to play at one of their ‘Unsigned Sessions’ via the festival website

Other bands/artists can also apply to play by emailing bands@seasessions.com

Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, UK, 22nd-26th June  

After two long painful years of absence, Glastonbury (the world’s best festival) is finally back and to celebrate, its launching an emerging talent competition which gives new UK and Ireland based acts of any genre the chance to compete for a slot on one of the iconic MAIN STAGES. Winners will also be awarded a £5,000 Talent Development Prize to help take their songwriting and performing to the next level. This is not one to miss!

The competition is open to acts from any genre and is open for only ONE WEEK from 9am on Monday January 31st – 5pm on Monday 7th of February. For more info and to find out entry requirements, click here. 

Couleur Cafe – Brussels, Belgium, 24th-26th June 

With its creative, carnival atmosphere Brussels’ Couleur Cafe festival invites a diverse lineup of artists from around the world, with a strong focus on music of African and Carribean origin, from reggae to funk, soul and hip-hop.

Apply ASAP, via their email: festival@couleurcafe.org

JULY

Barn on the Farm – Gloucester, UK, 30th June – 3rd July 

Winner of the Best Independent Festival awards in 2019, this is definitely not one to miss for independent artists. Previous line-ups have included the likes of Dermot Kennedy and Lewis Capaldi.

If you’re interested in playing at the festival, send an email to the booking team at performing@barnonthefarm.co.uk  attach a sample of your music and a short bio about yourself as an artist/band.

UGUST

Oya Festival – Oslo, Norway, 9th-13th August

The largest outdoor festival in Norway, taking part on the east side of the capital city. They boast a truly international line-up with this years stars including Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Gorillaz, and Florence and the Machine.

To apply, email bookings booking@oyafestivalen.com

Green Man – Wales, UK, 18th-21st August 

Green Man is a unique festival experience, with an ethose of zero corporate sponsorship, local suppliers and a big focus on being green, Its high-quality music lineup features all sorts of genres from psychedelia to folk.

Apply through Green Man Rising – Emerging band competition https://www.greenman.net/rising/

SEPTEMBER

Euroblast – Cologne, Germany, 30th Sept – 2nd October 

Euroblast is a heavy metal rock festival dedicated to allowing like minded music lovers to meet and discover new music. From death metal to prog, this is a haven for rock fans and musicians.

To apply email su@euroblast.net and include your name, a short description of your band, a link to your socials, a link to a studio produced or live album with a minimum of three tracks.

OTHERS

Some festivals are still yet to announce their plans for 2022, but we’ve listed them below so you can keep an eye on their websites and socials for updates.

Impulse

Le Printemps de Bourges

Are You Listening

Live at Leeds

We Love Green

Les Francofolies de La Rochelle

Les Vieilles Charrues

Lollapalooza Paris

Boardmasters

Rock en Seine

End of the Road

La Fête de l’Humanité

MaMA

Pitchfork

2000 Trees

Victorious

Pukkelpop

Reading Festival 

Good luck with your applications and be sure to check out our guide on performing live before taking to the stage this summer.

The post How to Apply to European Music Festivals 2022 first appeared on Spinnup.

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