Hampshire bands urged to audition for Mucky Weekender 2025
Grassroots artists in Hampshire and nearby counties have until July 31 to apply for a coveted main-stage slot at the seventh annual Mucky Weekender. The three-day festival, founded by Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth, returns to Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott, with headliners including Goldie and Roni Size.
Hampshire’s grassroots musicians have just weeks to secure a breakthrough moment at one of the UK’s most respected independent festivals. Mucky Weekender will return to Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott, near Winchester, from September 10 to 12, offering a rare chance for local and regional acts to perform on the festival’s main stage.
The festival, now in its seventh year, has cemented its reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent, drawing 5,000 annual attendees across five stages embedded in 28 acres of private parkland. Barry Ashworth, founder and frontman of Dub Pistols, said the event remains committed to its grassroots ethos: “We don’t just play music—we create opportunities. This festival is built on discovery, community and raw talent.”
Key Points
- ✅ Applications close July 31 for Hampshire and surrounding-area artists
- ⚡ Main-stage slots available for grassroots performers
- 💡 Festival runs September 10–12 at Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott
Headliners for 2025 include Goldie (Live), Roni Size, David Rodigan, Don Letts, Darren Emerson, Stanton Warriors and Gentleman’s Dub Club. The lineup bridges genres from drum and bass to reggae and dub, reflecting the festival’s eclectic spirit. Organisers have confirmed that over 80% of tickets are already sold, with organisers warning that full capacity is expected weeks before gates open.
| Category | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Headline acts | 8 | 7 |
| Stages | 5 | 5 |
| Daily attendance | 1,600 | 1,700 |
| Applications received | 214 | 287 (so far) |
Applications are open to solo artists, bands and DJ crews from Hampshire and the surrounding counties, provided they align with the festival’s musical ethos. The process is streamlined via the official website, where performers can upload performance videos, setlists and artist bios. Ashworth emphasized that the selection panel prioritises originality and live energy over polished production.
📋 Festival By The Numbers
- 5,000 — Annual attendance across five stages
- 28 acres — Private parkland setting in Hampshire
- 80% — Tickets already sold for 2025
Since its 2018 debut, Mucky Weekender has grown from a 300-person backyard jam into a flagship event for the UK’s grassroots circuit. Past performers include rising stars now touring with major labels, proving the festival’s role as a talent incubator. Ashworth, who co-founded Dub Pistols in 1996, said the event remains free from corporate influence: “We’re not chasing trends. We’re chasing moments that change lives.”
💡 Pro Tip
Submit your application early. The selection team watches submissions in batches, and late entries often lose visibility in a crowded inbox. Include a live performance clip—no studio edits—and a concise one-page artist bio focused on your live experience.
For those unable to secure a stage slot, Mucky Weekender continues to offer volunteer opportunities across production, hospitality and artist liaison. Organisers say over 120 roles are available, with a focus on local residents. Tickets for 2025 go on sale next month, with prices starting at £125 for a weekend pass. Full details and application forms are available via the festival’s official website.
- Apply by July 31 — Submissions close at midnight
- Prepare materials — Live video, setlist, artist bio
- Check eligibility — Must be from Hampshire or adjacent counties
- Stay updated — Follow @MuckyWeekender on social media for last-minute tips