South West Stars: Win a Spot on Boardmasters' Big Stage!

Aspiring musicians from south-west England are being given an exciting opportunity to perform at one of the UK's biggest summer festivals. The Boardmasters Festival, which will take place in Newquay, Cornwall, from 5 to 9 August, has announced a new talent search called Boardmasters Breakthrough. This competition is open to singers, bands, DJs, and artists of any age or musical style, as long as they are from or based in the South West. The main aim is to highlight local talent and give them a chance to perform on a major stage in front of tens of thousands of festival-goers.

The winner of the Boardmasters Breakthrough contest will be revealed on 25 May. The chosen act will receive a paid opening slot on the main stage on 9 August, which is a huge opportunity for any up-and-coming artist. In addition to performing, the winner and a guest for each performer will get full weekend access to the festival. They will also receive professionally filmed footage of their set, which can help them promote their music in the future. The winner will be given access to the artist area, featured on Clunk magazine's Instagram, and promoted across Boardmasters' social media channels.

All entries will be reviewed by the festival team, who will create a shortlist before the final decision is made by BBC Introducing. The festival's website makes it clear that only local talent can enter, stating, 'You must be from, or based in, the South West - this comp is for local talent only. ' This new opportunity comes as the festival prepares for a line-up that includes well-known acts like Lily Allen, Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, The Kooks, and Loyle Carner. BBC Introducing South West presenter Daniel Pascoe said that BBC Introducing is all about helping local and lesser-known artists get onto big stages, and Boardmasters Breakthrough is doing just that. He recalled seeing Sam Fender open the main stage a few years ago and how far he has come since then. Pascoe said it's exciting to think that a new artist from the South West could start a similar journey by entering this competition. The festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of people, with a lively atmosphere, colorful decorations, and a huge Ferris wheel overlooking the crowd. For many local musicians, this could be the start of something big.