Apply to Perform at ESNS 2026

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2025

Organiser: ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag)
Who It’s For: Emerging and established artists from eligible European countries

Apply here.

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What is this about?

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, ESNS is an annual four-day event combining a showcase festival and a music industry conference, with a mission to elevate European music talent onto the global stage. Each year, over 175 acts perform before 18,000 attendees, including 4,000+ delegates and 400+ festival bookers and industry leaders.

What to Expect

Performing at ESNS offers artists the chance to connect with top European talent scouts, agencies, festivals, and media. Selected acts benefit from visibility through partnerships with European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Music Moves Europe, Keychange, and others. Performances often mark a key moment in an artist’s career, opening doors to international opportunities and long-term collaborations.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to artists from European countries, including the UK, Ukraine, Turkey, and across the EU. Only acts from the listed countries are eligible to perform at Eurosonic (see full list on the ESNS website).

What’s Offered

Selected artists receive:

- A slot to perform live at Eurosonic in Groningen
- Exposure to thousands of industry professionals and media
- Participation in the European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP)
- National and international promotional support
- Opportunities to be featured by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and other networks
- Access to a wide professional music network and year-round support

Conditions

Participation is limited to artists from European countries. ESNS does not cover travel or accommodation costs. Once confirmed, acts are expected to perform as scheduled. Selected performances may be broadcast or recorded for promotional use.

Submit your application via ESNS' official website.

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Image: ESNS