GLASTONBURY Festival has announced the details of this year's Emerging Talent Competition.

The contest, supported by PRS for Music and PRS Foundation, offers budding UK and Ireland-based musicians a chance to perform at one of the festival's main stages.

The winner of the free-to-enter competition will also go on to receive a £5,000 Talent Development prize from PRS Foundation.

The award aims to help boost their song writing and performing capabilities.

A sum of £2,500 will be awarded to each of the two runners-up as part of the PRS Foundation Talent Development prize.

The competition welcomes acts from all musical genres.

Interested musicians can apply from 9am, January 29 until 5pm, February 5, 2024.

Somerset County Gazette: The winner of the free-to-enter competition will also go on to receive a £5,000 Talent Development

The festival places a high value on diversity and inclusivity, encouraging entries from disabled artists who will be supported throughout the application process.

Once all entries are received, a panel encompassing 30 of UK's best music writers will narrow down the applicants to a longlist of 90 acts.

The list will be further reduced to eight finalists through a selection process involving Glastonbury organisers, Michael and Emily Eavis.

The winning act will be ultimately chosen at the live finals in Pilton.

Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said: "At a time when it's not always easy for acts to get their foot on the ladder, we're really happy to offer this opportunity for rising artists.

"So many amazing acts have been showcased by the Emerging Talent Competition over the years - and, as with the Festival, we welcome artists from all musical genres.

"I'm really excited to hear what 2024's entries bring.

"It's free to enter, so it definitely can't hurt to give it a go!"

Michelle Escoffery, president of the PRS Members’ Council, expressed their continued support for discovering and championing homegrown talent within the UK and Ireland.

She said: "The Emerging Talent Competition provides an exciting and unique platform for artists and bands to gain major exposure with new audiences and industry leaders, as well as the opportunity to win talent development prize money to elevate their music careers.

"If you’ve ever dreamed of performing at this iconic festival, now is the time.

"Submit your song and good luck!"

Last year's winner, Guinea-born, Cardiff-based musician N’famady Kouyaté said his win "opened loads of doors" for him.

He continued: "It gave me and the band a chance to perform on an amazing stage at an incredible festival.

"Winning also meant that I could take the next steps to further my career.

"If you think you're ready to take the next steps too, I highly suggest you enter this year's contest!"

The competition has been instrumental in the past, shaping the careers of several talents including Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis McLaughlin in 2022, 2020 lockdown winner R.A.E, Marie White who won in 2019 and later signed with renowned labels Decca Records and Universal Publishing.

Other notable success stories comprise 2016 proponent Izzy Bizu, and Declan McKenna, the 2015 winner who has released two albums since securing a deal with Columbia.