First Timers Fest 2026 - London

About the show

First Timers Fest is back - and it might just be the most important day in London’s 2026 grassroots music calendar.

Every band you see on our stage is playing their very first show. No industry gatekeeping, no super slick polished acts. This is a bunch of brand new baby bands stepping into their sound, their voice, and their space for the first time on stage.

Born from the belief that music should belong to everyone, First Timers exists to make starting a band less intimidating and more possible, especially for those historically pushed to the margins of the scene. What begins as a series of winter workshops grows into a full-volume celebration by May: new bands, new friendships, new futures in music.

Expect a joyful, chaotic, heartfelt day packed with electric debut performances, community stalls, and electric ‘you had to be there’ moments. When you support First Timers Fest, you’re not just funding a festival - you’re helping build a more open, representative music culture from the ground up.

Come witness the beginning of something. Remember - when you see the next Big Joanie you’ll be able to say, ‘I was at their first ever show!’