ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL: New Blood Competition Quarter-Final : Motts Hill // The Pedals // The Ragdolls // Sawyer // SpiritOil at The Stags Head

The Event

Out of the thousands of hopefuls that entered the Isle of Wight Festival New Blood Competition, only a handful now remain in the Quarter-Finals. These artists are some of the most exciting and promising acts on the scene and will all be competing for a coveted slot at Isle of Wight Festival 2026!

So make your voice heard and support your favourite act for their chance to perform at Isle of Wight Festival!

Meet the lineup

Motts Hill

Motts Hill are a fiercely compelling three-piece indie soft-rock band rising fast from South London. Blending the raw magnetism of The Black Keys and The White Stripes with the timeless agility of Fleetwood Mac, their sound feels familiar ye... view artist profile

The Pedals

The Pedals are a four-piece indie rock band made up of James (vocals & guitar), Olly (guitar), Izzy (bass) and Joe (drums). Based in Hertfordshire, they are known for their high-energy live shows, both locally and in London, that bring raw emo... view artist profile

The Ragdolls

The Ragdolls were formed in Cornwall in 2022, and draw from the likes of The Strokes, Pixies and New Order, tightly weaving their upbeat alternative rock sound with infectious hooks and melodic vocals. In 2023, they released their debut EP ‘... view artist profile

Sawyer

Miami native and London-based artist Sawyer brings a genre-blending sound to the indie-pop and indie-rock scenes. An avid skateboarder, surfer, and advocate for the Crohn’s and Colitis community, Sawyer channels his personal struggles and a ... view artist profile

SpiritOil

SpiritOil is a two-piece post-punk/alternative band from Surrey, UK. The band formed at university after members Cameron Day (Vocals & Bass) and James Starkey (Drums) discovered they were from the same town, but just hadn’t met yet. Draw... view artist profile

The details

Key Info

DOORS OPEN

19:15

MINIMUM AGE

18+

TICKET PRICE

£10 ADV // £13 OTD

CAPACITY

100

INDUSTRY JUDGES

Some of our industry judges, past and present, include John Giddings (Solo) Richard Barber (Solo Agency / Isle Of Wight Festival), Jodie Bryant (KISS FM), Sarah Casey (UTA), Caitlin Ballard (ATC), Joe Gaynor (Seven 7 Management), Martin Heath (Lizard King Records), David Pyatt (O2 / AMG), Simon Eaton (Troxy / former Mama, AMG, Live Nation), Richard Engler (Autonomy Music Group), Richard Clarke (War Child UK), Megan Lawrenson (BMG), Ryan Phillips (Columbo Group), Monkey Harper (Producer / Yellow Shark), Lewis Abbot (Scope), David Rowell (Autonomy Music Group), Jack Widdison (Autonomy Music Group), James Corbitt (Autonomy Music Group), Tom Price (Grizzly Management), Lily Crockford (Crockford Management), Barney Crockford (Crockford Management), James Walsh (Starsailor), Jessica Lamb (Lander PR), Laurence Hobbs (SAFO Music Group), Matthew L (Cargo Rooms), Matthew Acheson (Composer/Producer), James Anniballi (Columbo Group), Omar Hoxton (PD Venues), Richard Crowcroft (Cargo Rooms), Nic Mazzoli (Cargo Rooms).

Terms

Long Live Live Music!!!

The venue

Being located in heart of London’s East End music scene, we are extremely proud to be a part of it. Our live room and stage can accommodate a wide array of events, from blistering rock ‘n roll gigs, to cosy jazz evenings. During the summers, DJs and singers take to the garden providing a blissful backdrop to the sun soaked weekends.