Battle of the Sounds 2026

The search for the next generation of musical talent has reached its thrilling climax. After an intense week of live semi-final auditions at Backstage@duffs, the judges have made their decisions. An incredible lineup of young talent aged 15–23 is now officially set to take over Bray’s iconic Seafront Bandstand.

As a major highlight of the vibrant #SummerInBray calendar, these exceptionally talented acts are about to perform to a massive live festival crowd.

Meet the 2026 Grand Finalists

The competition is fierce across all genres. Here are the finalists battling it out for the ultimate crown:

The Grand Final: When & Where

Mark your calendars and come down to support the finest emerging Irish music talent.

• The Date: Saturday, July 11th 2026
• The Time: 3 pm  to 6 pm
• The Venue: Bray Seafront Bandstand
• More information:  bray.ie/bots26/

What’s on the Line?

This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a career-launching opportunity. Our finalists will be competing live in front of an esteemed panel of Irish music industry professionals and local music legends for these incredible prizes:

• The Headline Slot: A coveted live performance headlining Worldfest—a brand-new weekend built entirely around music, food, and wellness.
• Studio Time: A professional recording session at the renowned Camden Recording Studios.
• The Gear: A premium equipment voucher from Everest Music to upgrade their setup.
• The Live Gig: A future gig slot at the legendary venue, The Harbour Bar.
• The Exposure: Every finalist will have their tracks featured on the official #SummerInBray Spotify playlist.

Battle of the Sounds 2026 is presented as part of the #SummerInBray festival programme, in association with Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, The Martello, and Everest Music.