Aa new inter-islands battle of the bands competition, being dubbed a 'Music Muratti' has been organised for young musicians across the Channel Islands.
The competition, named after the Channel Islands annual 'derby' football match played every May for the Muratti Vase, has been created by the School of Popular Music.
Selected finalists will be flown to the host island and 'treated like the artists they are' - before taking to the stage.
This year, the 'Music Muratti' will be held in Guernsey at Beau Sejour Theatre on Saturday 28 November 2026.
There, bands will compete with a 12-minute set in front of a panel of UK industry judges including John Cattini - a senior executive at Sony Music Entertainment. The acts must perform at least one original song.
The SOPM says 'This is not a school talent show. This is what it actually feels like to be in a band.'
Phoebe Collins, Joint Manager of SOPM Jersey, said:
"When you teach young musicians every week, you see how much they are capable of.
"What they need is an occasion that feels worthy of that.
"Music Muratti gives them something real to aim for, and it connects our students in Jersey to their counterparts in Guernsey.
"Both islands have brilliant young musicians. It is going to be a proper night."
The competition is open to bands of 2 to 7 members, all of whom are under 18 on the night.
Bands are to submit a video demo via a sign-up form on the SOPM website.
Finalists will be selected to perform in November before a panel of UK industry judges, who will choose one Guernsey and one Jersey band.
Both winning bands receive a full studio and video session at their home island's SOPM studio - a professionally recorded track and filmed session they can release, share, and build on.
Next year, Jersey will host, and Guernsey artists will be flown over.
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