BLOODSTOCK is raising a glass to a brand new partnership for 2026, as Westons Stowford Press comes on board as the official sponsor of the mighty Metal 2 The Masses scheme and the New Blood Stage.
Stowford Press is crafted by Herefordshire cider makers and longtime BLOODSTOCK supporters Westons Cider – an independent, family-owned business with over 145 years of expertise under its belt. Using only locally sourced cider apples all from within 50 miles of their mill and allowing the juice to mature slowly to develop its full character, it’s a process rooted in heritage, patience, and craft. It’s a philosophy BLOODSTOCK understands well.
No other festival does more to support grassroots metal and local venues across the UK and beyond. That commitment was recognised at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards, where BLOODSTOCK and the Metal 2 The Masses initiative were honoured with the prestigious “H Award” for exceptional contribution to the underground scene.
For the uninitiated, Metal 2 The Masses is BLOODSTOCK’s nationwide (and increasingly international) battle-to-the-stage. Unsigned and self-released bands enter their local heats, fight it out through a series of live rounds, and one champion from each region will earn a coveted slot on the festival’s Stowford Press New Blood Stage this August.
Simon Hall, BLOODSTOCK’s M2TM organiser, comments, “The talent we see every year is phenomenal, and it’s an honour to provide a platform for these bands to showcase their hard work and passion. This is what metal is all about – community and supporting each other.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to be further strengthening our partnership with BLOODSTOCK and to support a festival that is truly committed to nurturing the future of heavy music. Opportunities like Metal 2 The Masses and the New Blood Stage are essential in giving rising bands the exposure they deserve, and we’re proud that Westons Stowford Press can help champion the next wave of talent,” states Sally McKinnon, Head of Marketing and Strategy, Westons Stowford Press.
Heats for 2026 are already underway in one of the most hotly-contested years yet. The confirmed regions taking part this year are:
SHEFFIELD | THE CHANNEL ISLANDS | NORTHANTS | HITCHIN | SOUTH COAST | BELFAST | LEEDS | SCOTLAND | EAST ANGLIA | MANCHESTER | NEWCASTLE | BIRMINGHAM | NORTH WALES | BRIGHTON | SOUTH WALES | KENT | SOMERSET | NOTTINGHAM | CHELTENHAM | LONDON | BURNLEY | DEVON & CORNWALL | COVENTRY | NUNEATON | OXFORD | STOKE | BRISTOL | MERSEYSIDE |
BLOODSTOCK is delighted that CYPRUS and NORWAY are also taking part!
Victors will begin to be announced from late Spring 2026 onwards.
If you’re in an unsigned or self-released band and fancy your chances, now’s the time. Get in touch with the promoter in your nearest region and get involved before it’s too late!
Full details on venues and how to enter can be found here: https://bloodstock.uk.com/events/boa-2026/venues/intro
You can also get a flavour of what Metal 2 The Masses is all about here: