Want to play at Worcester Music Festival 2015?

Band and artist applications are now officially open for Worcester Music Festival 2015, which organisers have confirmed will take place at the later date of 18-20 September.

A few weeks on from the usual date at the end of August, chair Ant Robbins said next year’s annual, free festival would coincide with Fresher’s Week at the University of Worcester.

“There are many local festivals in August next year, which got us thinking about other dates which might work well,” he said. “With so many students in the city in September, there will hopefully be a great buzz, while it also gives our live music fans an excuse to extend their festival season.

“As for our fantastic, original bands and artists, who all generously play for nothing to help us keep it free for music lovers and raise money for local charities, it’s that time of year again to get your application in and be part of one of the fastest growing, urban festivals in the UK.

“It is the chance to reach new audiences, sell CDs and meet hundreds of fellow musicians, while organisers, who are all volunteers, work hard to promote bands who take part. Musicians also benefit from the opportunity to meet venue owners and gig at places they would not normally play and secure paid gigs. We look forward to bringing even more talent to the fore in 2015.”

For those who are unfamiliar with the festival, which was launched in 2008, the festival is an annual, three-day celebration of live, original music, primarily that of Worcester and county-based musicians, but also that of under-the-radar talent from across the UK.

Around 1,200 acts applied to play in 2014, with 250 acts being picked to perform at festival venues, from pubs, clubs and cafes to historic buildings, record shops and on the streets.

In the past few months, a number of bands who have played at Worcester Music Festival have been featured on BBC Radio 6 Music, including The Stiff Joints, The Humdrum Express and No Cars, while Ant and the festival’s co-chair, Nikki Boraston, were recently interviewed for BBC Radio 1, which also played a track by Worcester’s own alternative rock band, Das Sexy Clap.