Homegrown Community Events C.I.C. is proud to announce an exciting new music showcase aimed at discovering and celebrating young, unsigned talent from across the Isle of Wight.
The Homegrown Festival of New Music will take place on Sunday 1st March 2026 at Strings Bar and Venue in Newport, bringing together the Island’s freshest emerging artists for a night of live music, community spirit, and creative discovery.
Open to solo performers and groups
The festival is open to solo performers and groups of up to six members, aged 16 to 24, who are unpublished at the time of the event.
Applications are now open, and from the submissions received, seven acts will be selected to each perform three of their original songs on the Strings stage in front of a live audience.
More than just a concert
This is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of grassroots talent, with audience members given the opportunity to vote for their favourite act of the night. At the end of the event, the act with the most votes will be crowned the ‘audience choice’.
They’ll receive a professional recording and production of their three original songs at Calliope Studios in East Cowes worth £1,000. This will give them a valuable asset to use to take their music to the next level.
Norris: This event is about giving the next generation a chance to be seen and heard
Director, Phil Norris, said,
“We’re thrilled to be providing a platform for young, local musicians to showcase their original material in a professional live setting.
“The Isle of Wight has always been a place of incredible musical heritage, and this event is about giving the next generation a chance to be seen and heard.”
Applications close in October
Applications are now being accepted and will close on 19th October 2025. For full details on how to apply please go to the website.
In March 2025 the Homegrown Music Festival staged 12 artists and raised over £1,600 which was donated to two Island charities: IW Defibrillators and Isle of Wight Community Action.
The 2026 Homegrown Festival of New Music will also donate surpluses to an Island charity.
Homegrown Community Events C.I.C.
Homegrown Community Events C.I.C. was registered in 2024 as a not-for-profit company with the objectives of running events where Island musicians and artists help raise money for Island good causes.
There are no shareholders and no salaries are paid.
News shared by Richard on behalf of Homegrown Community Events C.I.C. Ed
