What it is
The UK’s longest running band competition returns each year to spotlight local talent, with finalists playing at Strawberry Fair.
In 2026, heats took place at The Portland Arms, with the final at The Junction. Winners receive prizes, exposure, and industry connections, and are added to the competition honours list.
The Cambridge Band Competition is Strawberry Fair’s hunt for the best new band in and around Cambridge. Heats run across the city’s venues through the spring, the finalists go head to head in May, and the winner plays Strawberry Fair on Midsummer Common in June.
It’s free to enter, open to original acts of any genre, and judged by people who book, play and put on gigs in the city.
2026
Open for entries
- Sunday 10 January 2027, 6pm
- Sunday 24 January 2027
- Saturdays in March to 3 April 2027
- Saturday 8 May 2027
- Strawberry Fair, Saturday 5 June 2027
Partners
The competition is run by Strawberry Fair; the winner plays the Fair in June.
Cambridge’s much-loved pub and music venue on Mitcham’s Corner, home of the heats.
The city’s arts centre for music, comedy and theatre, home of the final.
Recording and audio production studio in Barton, just outside Cambridge.
Sound, lighting, staging and event power for live events of every size.
Cambridge songwriter and guitarist who wrote Walking On Sunshine and Love Shine A Light.
Community radio and podcasts for Cambridge and South Cambs, formerly Cambridge 105.
Bringing together the organisers, venues, suppliers and crews behind festivals and events across East Anglia.