Getting your first proper gig as a DJ is no mean feat. Promoters want to see that you've played live before, but you can't play until someone gives you a slot. It's the classic chicken-and-egg situation.
But there's a way in which a lot of DJs miss: open calls.
Clubs, collectives, and festivals across the UK are running DJ competitions right now, from opening sets in East London to a spot on GemFest's 2027 lineup. I've been through TikTok, Instagram, and the festivals' own sites (every link below was live on 13 November 2026) to pull out the deadlines and entry rules.
So all that's left is recording the mix…
London Clubs
Diversion Audio, Onyx E1 (19 December): Win the opening set supporting Uncle Dugs. Record a 15-20 minute mini-mix, upload it to SoundCloud as "WITH LOVE FROM THE UNDERGROUND DJ COMP – [Your DJ Name]" with a screenshot of the post as the artwork, and share it to your story tagging @diversion.audio. Deadline: 27 November. Full rules
Infra presents Gillz's Birthday Bash, Basing House (11 December): A slot for drum and bass DJs (and MCs). Send a 20-minute mix using the event artwork, follow @infraeventsuk and @gillzuk_, and drop your link in the comments. Winners announced in early December. Full rules
UK-Wide Clubs
The North and Scotland
Reverbia x Dubstead, Off the Square, Manchester (4 December): Two 40-minute slots – one for 135-145 BPM, one for 165+ BPM. Like the post, repost it tagging @reverbia.mcr and @dubsteadsoundz_, and comment your name and style. Mix deadline 13 November. Full rules
Offaire launch party, Leeds: For Leeds-based bass DJs, anything from UK garage to drum and bass. Email a 30-minute mix to [email protected] for a set and the chance of a residency. Deadline 18 November. Full rules
JH Events, Vibes, Glasgow (29 January): The opening set, hard techno only. Email a 30-60 minute mix to [email protected], follow the account, and tag two friends. Closes 25 November. Full rules
Jungle Rumpus, World Headquarters, Newcastle (30 November): A one-hour jungle opening set. Send a new 15-minute mix by DM using their artwork as the cover – you'll need a ticket to enter. Full rules
Into the Groove, WAV, Liverpool (5 December): A house set alongside the lineup. Like the post, tag your mates in the comments, and share it. Full rules
Moody Disco, Sheffield: A place in the crew for Sheffield-area DJs, with gigs in other cities to follow. Like and repost, follow, share to your story, and DM "SHEFFIELD". Full rules
Come With Me, Manchester: Minimal and tech DJs for an upcoming rebrand party. Like and share, follow, and send a mix. Full rules
Follow the Herd, Manchester: Rolling slots at future events for DJs in Manchester or anywhere in the UK. DM them your mix. Full rules
The South, Midlands, and Wales
Girls Got Bass, Clock Factory, Bristol (4 December): For female and non-binary drum and bass and jungle DJs. Post a one-minute blend on Instagram with their template and #girlsgotbasscomp. Closes 15 November at midnight. Full rules
Ginodnb x Clam Records, Cambridge (21 November): An opening slot for drum and bass DJs. Post a blend tagging @ginodnb and @clamrecords – you must be free on the night. Full rules
Trendkill x Lohz, Bristol: All genres welcome. Post a 1-3 minute blend as a reel tagging both accounts. Follow both, then like, comment, and share the poster. Finalists go to a public vote. Deadline 23 November. Full rules
2HOT2PLAY, Lakota, Bristol (11 December): A main room set. Tag a DJ in the comments – the comment with the most tags or likes wins. Ends 30 November. Full rules
Delirium Audio's Santa's Skankout, Secret Vault, Nottingham (18 December): A 30-minute drum and bass opening set. Upload a 15-20 minute mix to SoundCloud with their title and flyer, then post clips tagging @delirium.audio. Deadline 4 December. Full rules
Ibiza Classics, Prince of Brewers, Burton upon Trent (30 January): A prime-time set at the main event. Send your best Ibiza classics mix by TikTok or Facebook message. Closes 9 January. Full rules
Deluded, Swansea: A residency, a paid set, and your mix released on Deluded Records. Send a 45-60 minute mix (private SoundCloud link) by DM to @deluded.records, and like, share, and tag. Full rules
Festivals
GemFest 2027, Charlton Park, Malmesbury (17-20 June): The 8,000-capacity grassroots festival wants DJs across UK garage, house, disco, jungle, drum and bass, techno, dubstep, and more. Submit a 15-minute mix with the official artwork, solo or as a group. Closes 6 December at 6 PM. Apply here
Archfest 2027, Redricks Lakes, Hertfordshire (6-8 August): A festival built around new DJs. Send a 30-60 minute mix in any genre – shortlisted DJs get a mentoring session before they play. No deadline published. Apply here
Sound City Festival 2027, Shepton Mallet (3-5 September): Applications are open through the Artists and DJs form (sound systems have a separate form). No deadline published. Apply here
Loopfest 2027, Shrewsbury (28 April-2 May): A multi-venue festival with DJs included on the performer form, though you'll need to bring your own controller or decks. No deadline published. Apply here
Programmes and Other Opportunities
The big development schemes have just closed for this year, but they're worth putting in the diary for the next round.
Beatport Next: A year-long development programme for 12 emerging DJs and producers from any country. The 2027 round closed on 6 November, with the class announced in January 2027 – watch this space for 2028. Full details
Help Musicians Electronic Music Award (With DJ Mag): A 12-month career accelerator that includes £3,000 towards your music project, plus one-to-one business advice. The 2026 round closed on 25 September, but it has run every year since 2024, so watch for the 2027 round. Full details
