Deer Shed Festival has reopened submissions for its Apply to Play programme in partnership with EMI North, offering emerging northern artists the chance to join a 2026 bill topped by Sleaford Mods, Everything Everything, Say She She and more.

Feature photo by Andrew Benge

Taking place 24–26 July 2026 at Baldersby Park near Topcliffe, the festival is inviting applications now from artists across the North of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, with a particular welcome for under‑represented voices.

Apply to Play launched last year in collaboration with EMI North — the UK’s first major‑label office based outside London. Established in Leeds, EMI North’s mission is to strengthen northern music infrastructure, invest in local talent and expand opportunities across the region. That support forms a major part of the prize: successful applicants will receive mentorship and advice from the EMI North team, guestlist places for friends and family, an EMI North goodie bag and a fully paid performance slot at Deer Shed 2026.

The programme’s track record is already impressive. Past winners include Neve Cariad, who has since signed to Earth Agency and secured festival slots such as Green Man; Cowboy Hunters, newly signed to ITB; and Bug Teeth, who will appear at The Great Escape this May after joining Trust Artists. This year’s panel features Scott Lewis (EMI North), Megan Evans (Deer Shed Festival) and Roman Tagoe (Chrysalis Records).

Speaking about the relaunch, Festival Director Megan Evans said she’s thrilled to continue the relationship with EMI North, calling the programme “an amazing opportunity to discover and platform the next wave of musical talent in the North.” EMI North Label Manager Scott Lewis added that the scheme “provides a significant positive impact” for new artists, emphasising the growth seen by last year’s cohort.

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 2 April, and the form is available now via the Deer Shed website.

Deer Shed Festival 2026 will take place at Baldersby Park on Friday 24 July 2026 to Sunday 26 July 2026.