LIVERPOOL’S NEXT BIG ACT WANTED!

Royal Albert Dock announces ‘Dock Star’ search in partnership with Sound City, with £2,500 cash prize & festival slot up for grabs.

Emerging artists across the region are being given the chance to win a £2,500 cash prize and secure a guaranteed slot on the Sound City 2027 lineup, as Royal Albert Dock launches its search for the first-ever Dock Star this May.

In partnership with Sound City, Culture Liverpool and Liverpool BID, the initiative is a headline feature of the city’s new Liverpool Music Month. This year’s celebrations hold particular significance as they mark the 10th anniversary of Liverpool being designated a UNESCO City of Music.

Dock Star is a call-out for musicians, singers, and bands of all genres, aiming to uncover the next big musical talent and offer a unique opportunity to perform at one of Liverpool’s most iconic waterfront destinations. Throughout May, dedicated performance spots will be set up across the estate, giving artists free access to perform live, and turning the dock into a stage for grassroots talent.

Members of the public will play a key role in deciding the winner, with audiences encouraged to vote for their favourite act via QR codes located at each performance spot.

The artist or band who stops the most people in their tracks will be crowned the ‘Dock Star’ and take home an unmissable prize. This will include a £2,500 cash prize, alongside a guaranteed slot on the Sound City 2027 lineup and the chance to get in front of record label Modern Sky, whose roster includes Jamie Webster and Red Rum Club, offering a major platform to reach new fans and industry professionals.

Dock Star 2026 is part of a wider programme of events taking place during Liverpool Music Month this May, reinforcing Liverpool’s reputation as a global hub for music and creativity.

Learn more about Dock Star here: albertdock.com/dockstar