Your band. Your stage. Your next big moment.

NEWCASTLE NEXT

EAO Entertainment are on the hunt for eight young Newcastle and Hunter bands to take the stage as part of the third edition of the Newcastle Next band competition.

Held as part of Newcastle Fringe (6 – 21 March 2027), the competition will bring eight selected bands to the Exchange Hotel in Hamilton on Wednesday 10 March 2027 for an all-ages, alcohol-free event celebrating emerging Newcastle and Hunter talent.

We’re looking for bands that are writing their own songs, putting their spin on the classics or bringing a mix of both.

Applications close on 6 November 2026.

Who can apply?

Bands must be from Newcastle or the Hunter region, with every member under 18 at the time of the event in March 2027. Applications must include the age each band member will be on the day of the gig.

The prizes

Cash and industry prizes!