GREEN MAN, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival, has officially opened applications for the 2026 Green Man Rising competition; a key element of the festival’s pledge to find and support the festival headliners of the future.
Now in its 17th year, the Green Man Rising competition is free to enter and open to all UK bands eager for the opportunity to open the sold-out festival with a performance on its iconic Mountain Stage.
The winning act will also receive a professional recording at the festival – which has built a reputation for launching music careers – offering an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talents. Rising acts have gone on to receive Mercury Prize and Best Album of the Year nominations. They’ve also appeared in Rolling Stone, Maida Vale Studios and BBC Radio A-lists, and have signed to Domino Records, Rough Trade and Moshi Moshi.
A panel of leading music industry professionals will select five finalists to compete in the Green Man Rising final, where the overall winner will be crowned. Past judges have included representatives from Domino Records, Moshi Moshi, Beggars, Bella Union, Creative Artist Agency, William Morris, Speedy Wunderground, Heavenly Recordings, BBC Radio, Communion, The Times, MOJO, NME and Guardian Music, plus more.
The Green Man Rising live final, presented by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens will take place at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on 2nd June, where an act will be chosen to open the Mountain Stage at Green Man 2026. The runners-up will secure a spot on the Rising Stage, following in the footsteps of artists who have also performed on that stage, such as the BRIT Award winning The Last Dinner Party, Silver Gore, Westside Cowboy and Keo.
Fiona Stewart, Green Man Managing Director and owner told us……
“It’s incredible to see so many music careers launched at Green Man, and it’s important to create opportunities for talented musicians to shine. Engaging with the music industry in a credible way is essential in that journey.
Green Man Rising offers the experience of performing in front of thousands, supported by major event production and an opportunity to be noticed by the many leading music industry professionals, press and discerning, music-loving audience who attend each year.
The winner will open the legendary Mountain Stage at Green Man 2026, perform on the same bill with GM26 acts, the winner and runners up will also perform on the Green Man Rising Stage and record a Green Man session. Green Man Rising is completely unsponsored, free to enter and the only thing you need is talent, so if you have that then please apply!”
For more information and to find out how to enter the Green Man Rising competition 2026 go HERE.
