Our music policy is inclusive and we do not exclusively book ‘political’ acts. We expect performers though to share the values being celebrated at the festival and be able to connect with the audience. However a strong tradition of political music does run through this festival as you can see from previous years’ line-ups.
How to apply
If you think your act fits the ethos and spirit of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and want to play, please send us some information:
- about your act,
- a link to your website or Facebook page, and
- a decent quality audio recording and video.
Due to the large amount of applications we cannot promise to get back to everyone but we promise to listen to all submissions and we thank you for your interest in advance.
We start considering applications from early September and the line-up is generally booked by the beginning of December. If you have not heard from us by this point it is unlikely that you have been successful, and we encourage you to apply again the following year.
Please send submissions to: [email protected].
Spotlight: Young Acoustic Acts (Friday afternoon)
As part of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival commitment to diverse and dynamic musical talent, applications are now open for our second annual competition for the Friday afternoon Acoustic Stage spotlight (19th July 2024).
The Acoustic Stage is a very popular part of our festival, and a great showcase for young and local performers especially.
We have 2 slots available for original solo / duo / trio acts, that can be broadly defined as ‘acoustic’.
All artists are invited to apply but we will give priority to applicants under 30 years old, playing mainly original music and living in the Dorset / South West region.
Successful applicants will receive a small fee plus additional benefits including weekend festival tickets. Applications should be sent by 31st March 2024 to [email protected] with links to artist website, social media and audio / video.
Tolpuddle Talent: open mic (Saturday afternoon)
During the Saturday afternoon there is a popular open-mic session. We don’t take advance bookings; acts simply add their name to the blackboard on the day. Entrance wristbands/parking payment will be required and can be purchased in advance.