Platform One Celebrates 25 Years With Expanded Wight Noize 2026 Competition

(c) Jennifer Stone

Emerging musicians from across the Isle of Wight are being given the chance to open the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival, as Platform One announces the return of Wight Noize 2026.

Applications open on Monday 9 February, with this year’s competition marking a major milestone as Platform One celebrates its 25th anniversary.

To coincide with the anniversary, eligibility for Wight Noize has been expanded to include artists and bands aged between 16 and 30.

The move opens the competition to a wider creative community, including Platform One alumni, and reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting Island talent at every stage of development.

Since its launch, Wight Noize — in partnership with the Isle of Wight Festival — has helped emerging artists turn local success into major live opportunities.

The initiative is now recognised as one of the UK’s longest-running grassroots music competitions.

The competition is open to performers creating original music, with applicants asked to submit audio, video and examples of their online presence.

The aim is to identify artists ready to take meaningful steps into the music industry, offering exposure to an industry panel and the chance to perform in front of a large festival audience.

Last year’s winners, 5 Degrees North, join an alumni list that includes Beth Brookfield, Marnie Marie and The Optimists.

Speaking about their win, 5 Degrees North said:

“Winning Wight Noize and playing the main stage was the biggest honour of our lives.

"It was an incredible experience that bands usually only get when they are extremely established.

"It took us two years of applying, but the end goal was something that would normally take many years to achieve.

"To anyone thinking of applying — never get disheartened and just give it a shot.”

Applications close on Friday 27 March. Shortlisted artists will be invited to perform at a live industry showcase at Strings Bar & Venue on Wednesday 15 April, where a panel of music professionals will select one act to open the Isle of Wight Festival main stage.

Runners-up will also be offered performance opportunities on the Platform One Stage.

Platform One has been involved with the Isle of Wight Festival since its rebirth in 2002, with opportunities for young musicians growing year on year.

Festival promoter John Giddings, managing director of Solo Music Agency, is a patron of Platform One.

“I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One,” he said.

“They do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry. They have integrity and are very good at what they do.”

Andy Booth from Platform One said the competition continues to play a vital role in supporting new music on the Island.

“Wight Noize is regarded as one of the longest-running competitions in the country and always delivers such exciting outcomes,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the entries this year, especially with the extended age range as we celebrate Platform One’s 25th academic year.”

More information and application details are available on the Platform One website.