Music
12 Sep 25

Up-and-coming acts to compete for epic prize bundle at UCD Battle of the Bands next week

The prize bundle includes a Dinosaur Jr / J Mascis Fender Telecaster worth €1,400, courtesy of X-Music...

Ready to get an early glimpse of the next-big-thing? This Freshers Week, University College Dublin is set to play host to a thrilling selection of hotly tipped acts, for the UCD Battle of the Bands 2025 – kicking off at 11am on Tuesday, September 16.

Presented in association with Hot Press, the UCD Music Society, and UCD Societies, this fierce competition is shaping up to be one of the must-see events of this year's Freshers Week – with the artists battling it out to win a major prize bundle, crafted specially for an act looking to make their mark on the music industry...

The prize includes:

A slot on the prestigious Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2026 line-up
Hot Press photographer shoots of the band's live set
Coverage of the band’s performance on hotpress.com
Selection of photos provided for the band's own use
An interview with Hot Press
Inclusion in Hot Press’ scene-setting ‘Hot for 2026’ list
And... an amazing Dinosaur Jr / J Mascis Fender Telecaster, worth €1,400, courtesy of X-Music

All bands include a current UCD student – so get ready to cheer on your favourites this Tuesday, for the UCD Battle of the Bands...