The Cambridge Band Competition Final

Check back soon to see who’s made it through to the live heats at Cambridge Band Competition 2026!

Heats will take place at The Portland Arms, with the Final at Cambridge Junction, a legendary stage where countless acts have broken through.

Winners will take home incredible prizes (to be announced soon!) — plus the glory, exposure, and connections that come with being named the best band in Cambridge.

History
First launched in 1985 at Cambridge’s Guildhall, the competition picked up immediate national attention thanks to Trevor Dann and The Old Grey Whistle Test. Infamously, Colonel Gomez caused a national controversy with their performance on that show, controversy that even led to questions being asked in Parliament about the incident! More was to come though, with the ‘debatable’ decision to award the first prize to The Detective – a decision that caused consternation amongst some as, although they made the tapes themselves, The Detective performed on stage to a backing track!

In the last 30 years the Cambridge Band Competition has produced some great winners, and stars who have gone on to do bigger things!

Ezio were named as Tony Blair’s favourite band and has established an international following, Ben Miller of Armstrong & Miller came third in 1990 with a trio called The Dear Johns, and one of the most memorable winners – thanks to pure energy and great music – were Tom Dalpra and Nutmeg.

Members of other bands have gone on to work with some top names in the industry, and all have fond recollections of being involved in the event.

The heats and finals have been held at various venues in Cambridge over the years, including The Guildhall, The Corn Exchange, Lola Los, The Soul Tree and the Barfly. In recent years the heats have been held at the Portland Arms with the finals taking place at the Cambridge Junction.

No booking fees when you become a Member – save £3 per ticket!

Buy Tickets

Less