Following the landmark announcement of their historic £1 headline show at O2 Academy Brixton, Only The Poets are taking their commitment to accessible live music one step further by offering one unsigned UK band/artist the chance to support them at their sold-out show on Monday 2nd February 2026.
Seven years on from charging £1 for entry to their first ever gig, the Reading four-piece will become the first band ever to headline O2 Academy Brixton for just £1 — a symbolic, sold-out celebration of live music as something everyone should be able to experience, regardless of background or income.
Now, with the Brixton show selling out in minutes, the band are turning their focus to the next generation — opening the door for an unsigned band/artist from anywhere in the UK to perform at one of the country’s most iconic venues.
With grassroots venues closing and opportunities for emerging artists becoming increasingly limited, Only The Poets want to offer a rare platform: a chance to share the stage and play to a sold-out crowd at a truly landmark moment in the band’s story.
To enter, unsigned bands/artists are invited to submit their details HERE. From all entries, five shortlisted acts will be personally selected by Only The Poets and invited to perform live at The Purple Turtle in Reading on 31st January 2026 — as part of a special all-day celebration marking the release of the band’s debut album, complete with signings and fan events.
Reading’s, The Purple Turtle holds deep significance for Only The Poets, having played a crucial role in their early journey through the small-venues circuit. The five shortlisted bands will perform in front of a packed room of Only The Poets fans, with the fans choosing one final winner on the night. The selected act will go on to support Only The Poets at O2 Academy Brixton on 2nd February 2026, all five acts will be paid a fee directly by the band.
“Without grassroots venues we won’t have the next big bands, and without bands & fans going to grassroots venues, they can’t keep the doors open.
Growing up playing in local venues gave us our first chance to get on stage and perform to people, and supporting other artists down the line changed everything for us, so we wanted to bring the two together.
We’re excited to support our favourite grassroots venue (The Purple Turtle) and invite five new artists to play to a packed-out room, showcasing the amazing new talent that’s out there.”
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