This is one of my favourite times of the year where I get to hang out with people who are enthusiastic about grassroots music and get to listen to some brilliant bands.
As the 28th year of BurySOUND unfolded over five Saturdays, it became clear that the East Anglian music scene still thriving. From the intimate, high-octane atmosphere of The Hunter Club to the diverse range of genres being showcased, the 2026 heats provided a vital showcase for the region’s emerging talent. Not only that, this year has seen sold out heat and the record number at The Apex for a final!
With nearly 70 applications being whittled down to 23 acts spread across 5 Heats, it was fantastic to see there were a good number of bands who were totally new to the competition, and playing at The Hunter Club.
Heat 1 Winners: Half Return
Heat 2 Winner: Blaaze
Heat 3 Winners: Oscar November
Heat 4 Winners: Egregore
Heat 5 Winners: LightzØut
With the five heat winners decided, the finalists headed to The Apex, each vying for a legacy established by names like Collars, Blue Feed and last year’s winners H*LLO K*TTY FUN LAND who returned to the stage as headliners, while the judges had the ever-difficult decision to select the winner. And they did:
Winner of BurySOUND 2026:
Oscar November
Rising Star Award went to 15-year old Blaaze who managed to jump around the stage, rap and engage the crowd to join in.
The production at The Apex remains the gold standard for grassroots showcases. The lighting and sound created an immersive experience that mirrored the escalating stakes of the night.
What makes BurySOUND significant isn’t just the prizes of studio time or PR support; it is the enduring ‘DIY’ ethos originally championed by Jackie Smith and Paul Johnson, and is continually and consistently held by Tim Willett and Seymour Quigley.
In an era where digital presence often supersedes live performance, BurySOUND proves that it is still very much alive in the rehearsal rooms and small venues of our region.
