WIN! Perform at London 02!

Ready for the chance of a lifetime? As part of our work in supporting both terminally & chronically ill/disabled youth we are offering the opportunity to win a night performing YOUR music with us at the legendary London 02!

Discover more on how to enter below:

DEADLINE: 30th October midnight

*Entries after the above date go into the next session.

*Entries are taken on the additional information page at sign up below:

Entry Options

Option 1
10£
Every month
Enter the 2025 contest by becoming a supporter of the foundation for 6 months:
- Win and perform at the London 02!
- Eligible for 1x RSVP ticket for the 2026 London 02 Concert
- Unlimited catrgory entry
- Eligible for runner up prizes
Option 2
60£

Enter the 2025 contest by purchasing at ticket
- Win and perform at the London 02!
- Eligible for 1x RSVP ticket for the 2026 London 02 Concert
- Unlimited category entry
- Eligible for runner up prizes

The Competition - For Artists

For one talented artist we are offering the chance of a lifetime to perform our opening slot at the legendary London 02! The winner will be centre stage to perform their original music as our opener act for the Dark Horse Charity Concert 2026!

All genres welcome to apply, please only note all performances at the concert itself will have to comply with background checks and be suitable for a PG audience.

Included in this prize is:

*Opening slot at the London 02 to perform your original music

*Access to the green room

*Security team cover

* Inclusion in our social media and PR promotion!

*Dress rehearsals

* After party invitation

* Engineering and performance team

* Producer

Shortlists for Round One to be announced 1st November 2025! Please note travel expenses will not be covered by the contest, and all artists are responsible for their own expenses and to arrive on time for both rehearsals and the final 02 performance. The winner must attend both rehearsals and the live sound check to be eligible to claim their prize.

So prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime night of celebration of the U.K’s coolest upcoming artists in support of a good cause! One lucky winner will perform on stage at the legendary London 02 as our opening act alongside award winning and chart topping artists.

We are committed to making an incredible and memorable night where all proceeds go to the support of those in need, and for this we are offering a £10 a month option for those to apply who might not otherwise have the means to enter.

All entrants will be welcome to celebrate and partake in this wonderful event to raise awareness for rare and incurable diseases and disabilities and will be eligible to have 10% on the bar to try our award winning lavender gin in partnership with Simply Lavender.

For Dancers, Singers & Musicians

Runner up prizes available for dancers, singers and musicians to perform in show, We are officially on our international search for the best up and coming talents of the industry to make a night to remember.

Don't write your own music? You're still eligible to apply in our dancer, singer and musicians category. Link us to an online piece of some of your best work for the opportunity to appear onstage with one our headline artists.

Meet Your Host - Ashleigh Harley

Award winning musician and filmmaker Ashleigh Harley will be hosting you for your performance at the 02 alongside our headline artists.

Ashleigh lives with ongoing complications from Vascular Ehlers Danlose Syndrome which almost took her life 3 years ago when she suffered a near fatal tear to the esophageal tract essential for basic functions like eating and breathing. After leaving hospital she founded the charity to aid others who have grown up with rare and incurable diseases & disabilities.

Ashleigh on BBC News

Your Judges

More Info

The Entry Form is available on sign up towards the top of this page. Immediately after you submit a song you will see a confirmation email confirming your spot in the competition. NOTE: You must be registered to submit songs and see your song dashboard.
ENTRY FEE: If you submit from outside the UK this is automatically converted in your card/bank (or PayPal account) to your local currency.
UPDATES: You will be notified by email of your entries current place in the event and judging panels at the end of each session and you will see if your song has made it into the semi finals or finals. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive contest news and updates in your inbox. We also post general contest news updates on social media.

SONG CATEGORIES: To enter the same song or artist in multiple categories simpy check the additional boxes you see in the competition sign up form.
SONG UPLOADS: Submit audio by including a link when you sign up only.
CONFIRMATIONS: A confirmation email is sent for every submitted entry. These are sent to the email address provided when you registered. Make sure you are able to receive emails from us and check your spam folder if you do not see them. You can also confirm your entry and view the details in your account. To cancel your sign up either login to our website where you have the option to cancel your account or email us on ash@thedarkhorsefoundation.com.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I ENTER? You will see updates and important news in your personal Song Dashboard. You can contact the contest at any time with questions using the contact form on the Help/Info page. T's&C's apply. Full results and winners and all awards are announced at the end of the contest. Short listed contestans wll be announced within days of each round deadline. At the end of the contest Certificates with each contestants final position and final award are available online. Winners are contacted individually.
USING AI: We have strict rules about AI generated songs and these are NOT ALLOWED under any circumstances. We have advanced AI analysis tools to check for this.
RULES: All entrants are bound by the contest rules.

OPEN TO EVERYONE WORLD WIDE
This contest is open to songwriters from every country. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome and all are judged equally. This is an international contest with entries from almost 100 countries. Everyone has the same opportunity to showcase their work to music industry professionals. Beginners have the same chance for success as experienced artists.
CERTIFICATES
Every writer receives a Certificate for each entry. Frame it for your studio or home wall, use it in publicity photographs, show it when you apply for courses, jobs etc. Every writer is given a professional judges´ Star Rating for each song and the Certificate shows the position the song was awarded in the event.
SONG CATEGORIES
The song categories this year include ALL GENRES.

Please note all entries via RSVP ticket purchase will have to respond to the email sent to their address to ensure the attendance of each ticket holder.