WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT A

The Underdog returns in 2026 with a special ten-year anniversary series.

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians battle it out for one of the twelve spots at the Thekla Semi Finals. Our finalists will be competing for our stacked prize table:

⭐️ £1,000 in no-strings-attached cash

⭐️ Two days recording with Orchard Studios

⭐️ PR deal with Headstrong

⭐️ 50 t-shirts printed by Pins & Knuckles

⭐️ Press shoot with Sam Habridge

⭐️ Bespoke mini-tour by We Need Bands

First launched in 2015, The Underdog quickly established itself on the Bristol scene as an alternative to the larger national competitions. Hundreds of local bands have competed at venues like o2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

Bands from around the South West and Wales will battle it out at the 2026 Underdog competition, our biggest-ever event series... but there can only be one winner!

Follow the competition by using the hashtag #UnderdogBristol on social media.

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Follow All The Action:

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Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol

www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

--- THE LATER ROUNDS ---

Semi Final A · Sunday 30th March · Thekla

Semi Final B · Sunday 6th April · Thekla

Grand Final · Friday 5th June · o2 Academy, Bristol