Glasto talent contest reaches final stages

Several new bands are to compete for the chance to play Glastonbury this week (March 22-24) as the finals of the festival’s emerging talent contest takes place.

Judges led by organiser Michael Eavis will consider bands for four stages at this year’s event (June 22-24) with a series of gigs being held near the festival site this week.

Acts have been entered for the following stages John Peel, Acoustic, JazzWorld and the Dance Village, plus an overall winner will be picked who will record a session of BBC Radio 1 later in the year.

“New music has always been the lifeblood of the Festival,” said co-organiser Emily Eavis. “This has been our biggest competition ever, with some really exciting new music.”

This year’s short list – all hoping to follow past winners including The Subways - are:

The 9000
Baraka
Emily Barker And The Red Clay Halo
Breaking The Illusion
Cortina Deluxx
Dr Meaker
The Epstein
Feluka
Ghost
The John E Vistic Experience
Liz Green
The Grim Northern Social
Hadar
Haiki Loki
Heritage Survival Band
Mr Fogg
Polichinelle
Simon X
Smallwhitelight
The Soundcarriers
Speedway5
Stoney
Thirty Pounds of Bone
Venus Bogardus

For more information go to Glastonburyfestivals.co.uk