Showcase Scotland Expo (SSE) is delighted to partner with Llangollen Fringe Festival (4–12 September 2026) to present a special Focus on Scotland within the 2026 programme.
Through this open call, we are seeking applications from developing artists working in folk, roots, acoustic, world, Gaelic and Scots language traditions to be considered as part of Scotland Introducing at Llangollen Fringe.
Six developing artists will be selected to perform as part of the Focus on Scotland strand. In addition, the festival will feature at least two established Scottish headliners.
Artists selected through this process will:
- Be paid no less than Musicians’ Union minimum rates
- Be provided with hotel accommodation during the festival
- Receive appropriate catering/hospitality while participating
Shortlisted artists will be considered by Llangollen Fringe Festival for final selection. Successful applicants will enter into a separate performance agreement directly with the Festival.
This is an opportunity to present your work to new audiences within an established international festival setting and to be part of a curated Scottish focus strand supported by Showcase Scotland Expo.
The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 1st March 2026.
Criteria
1. Artists’ work must be rooted in the acoustic, folk, Gaelic, roots, Scots language, traditional, or world music genres.
2. Artists will have a demonstrable track record of performance in the UK including e.g. live reviews, festival and venue performances.
3. Artists must be able to demonstrate the ability to maximise the promotional opportunities that Showcase Scotland Expo affords e.g. strong web and social networking presence, credible mailing lists, promotional product for the event, EPK/Live footage available.
4. Artists must be able to articulate their rationale for applying and relevance to their career.
5. Artists must be willing to undertake press interviews etc as required for the Showcase Scotland Expo showcase.
6. Artists must be able to provide access to recorded music via streaming links.
7. Evidence of existing international interest or support is desirable.
8. Artists must be available to perform on at least one date from 4-12 September 2026.
9. Artists must agree to provide evaluation info as required to the Showcase Scotland Expo Steering Group. This will include financial information regarding onward bookings secured from the showcase.
10. Artists must be resident in Scotland.
11. Applications must be received by 23.59 on Sunday 1st March 2026.
Tips for completing the form
There is a save button at the very bottom of the form – we suggest using it regularly! Clicking on it saves your progress and also provides a URL to resume the form later. You are given the option to email this URL to yourself. If you lose the resume link, email info@showcasescotlandexpo.com and we will retrieve it for you.
Note that if you haven’t clicked ‘save’ at any point and you lose your incomplete application there will be nothing for us to retrieve.
It could also be useful to type your answers into a Word doc first and paste them into the form when ready. And save that document, since it is possible that some answers could also be applicable to future Showcase Scotland Expo applications
If you have any queries prior to submitting your application please email info@showcasescotlandexpo.com