Fringe Artist Application

The Fringe is the community heart of BunkFest, taking place across the town over three days. Each year we welcome a wide range of artists to 15 or more fringe venues, each with its own unique atmosphere.

At our venues, festival-goers can access music from different genres: folk, rock, blues, indie, alternative, jazz, ska, punk and more. The festival is about embracing everyone; we welcome applications from all genres and genders, ages and abilities, colours and creeds.

BunkFest is run entirely by volunteers, which helps to keep the festival free for those attending.

Our Fringe team works throughout the year to organise the venues, schedule and sound provision for more than 100 artists performing on the fringe each year.

To apply for a BunkFest Fringe slot:

Please contact us and include: a short bio, a link to a live performance and a link to your website and/or social media.

How does the payment work?
Please also let us know your expectations and needs in terms of payment and/or expenses. We aim to support artists who earn a living from what they do and to support the local music scene through our festival. However, we also want to create opportunities for everyone who would like to play at this amazing local event. Each year we have a set amount of fully paid slots alongside other ‘expenses only’ and volunteer slots.

If you would be willing to play for expenses or to ‘gift’ some of your time and talent to BunkFest this is always appreciated. We could not offer such a rich programme without the generosity of artists who perform volunteer gigs to support the festival, keeping it free and inclusive.

Many artists offer us a ‘weekend package’ – for example one gig paid plus additional volunteer spots – or negotiate a rate for several performances over the weekend. Just let us know what might work for you!

Please note, another BunkFest team manages the Main Stage bookings, please email this team if the Main Stage is of interest to you.