Calling All Musicians — Wight Noize Returns With Chance To Play Isle Of Wight Festival Main Stage

What if there was a way to step onto the same stage as international rock royalty Green Day at the IW Festival 2024?

That dream could become reality for local young musicians.

The Wight Noize initiative was conceived by Platform One, who have continuously strived to develop opportunities for young bands, artists, and musicians resident on the island since 1999.   

Wight Noize is a mechanism to support young musicians on the Isle of Wight, which requires artists and bands to submit an application form with links to audio, video, and online promotion.

The Optimists won Wight Noize last year

The idea is to support emerging performers who are actively seeking to take their next steps into the industry, by providing them with the opportunity to perform their original music at a major music festival.

Andy Booth – Music Industry Liaison, Platform One, said:

"Having been through this process exactly 21 years ago (as a member of) Wight Noize winners ‘The Nautical Theme’, it is so exciting that this opportunity still exists.

"There is no buzz like playing the mainstage of a music festival.”

Shortlisted artists and bands will be invited to play a live showcase at Strings Bar & Venue on Thursday 25 April, to a panel of industry guests.

Beth Brookfield shone on the Main Stage after winning Wight Noize in 2022

One artist/band will be selected to open the festival’s mainstage on Sunday June 23, with the runners up being offered a performance slot on the ‘Platform One Stage’, which is based in the main arena.

David Pontin, Education Director at Platform One, said:

"We are excited to see the return of the live music showcase for the shortlisted winners this year.

"All submissions will be viewed by an industry panel who will carefully select acts that are ready to perform at such an iconic festival.

"This is such a unique opportunity for island bands to get involved with, and we are excited to see what new music the 2024 Wight Noize applications will bring us.”

Opportunities for young musicians at the festival have evolved each year thanks to the commitment of John Giddings, who is one of Platform One’s patrons.

Jonjo were the Wight Noize winners in 2021

John said:

"Platform One has been involved in the festival since its rebirth in 2002.

“I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One. I think they do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry.

"I like helping people and my work with Platform One feels the right thing to do — they have integrity, and they are good at what they do.”

This year Platform One has teamed up with Amplead, to design a new ‘Apply To Play’ process that improves both the artist submission experience and the shortlisting process.

The Wight Noize Winners

The industry panel will decide on one act that is deserving of playing the main stage on Sunday of the Festival.

This is full VIP treatment as well as the opportunity to play on the Platform One Stage during the weekend.

If you want to get involved in Wight Noize 2024 you can find the ‘Apply To Play’ link from 5pm today (Thursday) via the P1 Instagram or Facebook pages.