Applications Open for Aesthetica Film Festival's New Music Stage 2026

Applications are now open for the New Music Stage at the 2026 Aesthetica Film Festival, a BAFTA-Qualifying festival taking place this November in York.

Returning for its second year, the New Music Stage provides emerging artists with the opportunity to perform in front of music and media industry professionals as part of Aesthetica's wider music programme.

Ten breakthrough artists will be selected to perform live at York Theatre Royal on Saturday 7 November, alongside a programme of industry talks, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to connect artists with professionals working across music, film and media.

Performances will be judged by a panel of music industry representatives, including contributors from Beggars Group, Universal, Fontana, EMI, TALENTBANQ and Caffè Nero.

The overall winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, mentorship and one-to-one business coaching with Beggars Group and TALENTBANQ, travel and accommodation to attend the festival, and the opportunity for in-store play across 632 Caffè Nero locations in the UK, subject to approval.

All applicants will receive a ticket to attend the full Music at Aesthetica programme on Saturday 7 November at York Theatre Royal, regardless of the outcome of their application.

The day will feature an industry panel with representatives from Universal, Fontana, EMI, Rough Trade and Matador Records, offering insights into today's music landscape, followed by networking sessions and live performances from the ten selected artists.

The programme will conclude with a special performance from 2025 winner Dilettante before the 2026 winner is announced.

The New Music Stage launched in 2025, showcasing ten independent artists at York Theatre Royal, with art-pop multi-instrumentalist Dilettante selected as the inaugural winner.

Applications are now open, with a deadline of 13 July for original track submissions.

For more information and to apply, click below: