The dream of opening the mainstage at the Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival could become a reality for emerging musicians across the Island, as Platform One announces the return of Wight Noize 2026, with applications opening on Monday 9th February.
Celebrating 25 years of Platform One, this year’s competition introduces expanded eligibility for artists and bands aged 16-30, opening the opportunity to a wider creative community and alumni. The change reflects Platform One’s long-standing mission to nurture Island talent at every stage of its journey while marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.
Supporting emerging artists
Since its inception, Wight Noize and the partnership with the Isle of Wight Festival has helped emerging artists transform local momentum into major live opportunities, and is now established as one of the UK’s longest-running grassroots music initiatives.
Designed to support performers creating original music, Wight Noize invites applicants to submit audio, video and examples of their online presence. The initiative aims to identify artists ready to take meaningful steps into the industry, offering invaluable exposure to a professional industry panel and large-scale festival audience.
Previous winners
Last year’s winner 5 Degrees North joins an impressive alumni list that includes Beth Brookfield, Marnie Marie, and The Optimists.
2025 Wight Noize winners, 5 Degrees North, said,
“Winning Wight Noize and playing mainstage was the biggest honour of our lives. It was such an incredible experience which bands usually only get to experience when they are extremely established musicians.
“We never thought we would win – it took us two years (of applying) but the end goal was something that would usually take musicians many years to achieve. To anyone thinking of applying – never get disheartened and just give it a shot!”
Don’t miss the deadline
Applications close on Friday 27th March, with shortlisted artists invited to perform at a live industry showcase at Strings Bar and Venue on Wednesday 15th April, where a panel of music professionals will select one act to open the festival’s main stage. Runners-up will also be offered performance opportunities on the popular Platform One Stage.
Platform One has been involved in the Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival since its rebirth in 2002. Opportunities for young musicians at the festival have evolved each year thanks to the commitment of John Giddings, who is one of Platform One’s patrons
Giddings: I like helping people
John Giddings, Managing Director, Solo Music Agency, said,
“I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One. I think they do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry.
“I like helping people and my work with Platform One feels the right thing to do – they have integrity, and they are good at what they do”
Wight Noize 2026 reflects a shared commitment to nurturing new music on the Isle of Wight – celebrating both the next generation of artists and the thriving music community supported by Platform One over the past 25 years.
Booth: We are looking forward to seeing the entries this year
Andy Booth from Platform One says,
“Wight Noize has been regarded as one of the longest running competitions in the country and always presents such an exciting outcome.
“We are looking forward to seeing the entries this year now that the age range has been extended to celebrate the 25th academic year for Platform One”.
For more information and to apply, visit the Platform One website where full details are available.
News shared by Jess on behalf of Platform One. Ed
