Independent artists from across Brighton are being invited to step onto one of The UK’s most visible grassroots music platforms as DJ AG returns to the city for a special live beachfront livestream event on 13 May 2026.
Taking place on Brighton seafront between 3pm and 7pm, the free public event will see DJ AG host a live broadcast to his global online audience, while local crowds gather in person to watch performances unfold on the beach.
The event marks a continued collaboration between DJ AG and WaterBear – The College of Music, building on a shared commitment to supporting independent artists, students and the wider music community.
As part of the programme, a number of performance slots are being opened up through an Apply to Play callout, giving emerging Brighton-based artists the opportunity to perform live both to the seafront audience and DJ AG’s online following.
The wider lineup is being curated by WaterBear and partners and will feature a mix of WaterBear student performers, and AudioActive artists, and special guest appearances and local apply to play winners.
Applications for Apply to Play are open now. Local artists can apply by sending the below info to [email protected]
- Artist name + short bio (max 100 words)
- Links to live performance footage (YouTube/Instagram/TikTok/Facebook)
- Contact email + phone number
Artists must be available 2-7pm on 13 May. (event live stream runs 3-7pm). Applications close Thursday 7th May at midnight. A shortlist will be announced on Monday 11th May followed by a public vote on WaterBears Instagram and TikTok accounts.
Artists selected will join a line-up of WaterBear students, alumni and special guests, reflecting the depth and diversity of Brighton’s grassroots music scene.
This ongoing partnership aims to create real-world opportunities for artists at all stages of their journey — combining live performance, digital reach and community connection.
DJ AG has become one of the UK’s most influential champions of grassroots music. His open-access livestream sessions regularly provide a platform for both first-time performers and established artists, with previous appearances from names including Skepta, JME, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J. His format blends spontaneous live performance with global digital exposure, giving emerging talent access to audiences far beyond traditional venues.
Alongside the event, applications for the DJ AG Scholarship at WaterBear are now open and details can be found here https://waterbear.org.uk/scholarships/djag/. The scholarship offers a fully funded BA (Hons) degree place for 2026, covering full tuition fees and providing ongoing industry support and mentoring.
The scholarship is open to artists across performance, production, songwriting, electronic music and music business pathways, and aims to support those with the drive and potential to build a career in music. Scholarship applications close on 30 June 2026.
Eve Massaad, Chief Marketing Officer at WaterBear, said:
“Brighton has always had a strong, independent music identity, it’s a city built on creativity, community and artists backing each other. What we’re doing with AG is about creating real opportunities within that ecosystem. It’s not just about one moment or one event, it’s about building a platform where emerging artists can be seen, heard and supported, both locally and on a much wider stage. That’s what makes this partnership so powerful.”
Since 2018, WaterBear has awarded more than fourteen scholarships across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, working with partners including Music Venue Trust, Tramlines, The Sarah Nulty Foundation, and grassroots organisations in both Brighton and Sheffield.
The Brighton beachfront DJ AG livestream continues WaterBear’s wider mission to support not only artists, but the communities and spaces that allow them to develop, connecting education directly with real industry experience.
