30 04 2025
Godiva Calling offers the ultimate dream-come-true moment for talented local solo artists or bands who crave the opportunity to perform on-stage in front of a crowd.
And this year, we couldn’t resist the temptation to use our insight into the music industry to help make it happen!
That’s why Coventry’s much-loved music competition is set to be the biggest and best yet, thanks to a brand-new partnership with our music division, Music Smart.
We’re working with Godiva Calling 2025 to showcase more up-and-coming talent than ever before with a whopping nine winners, offering Coventry and Warwickshire’s emerging artists the chance to take centre stage at this year’s Godiva Festival.
What’s in it for the winners?
With an incredible prize package on offer, this year’s winners will be given a major boost in their musical journey.
As well as the coveted Main Stage slot at Godiva Festival, we’re taking it all the way with a full music package on offer for every winner.
We’ve been working with artists, labels and management companies for over 16 years, so we know a thing or two about how to bring music to the ears of fans across the world.
That’s why this phenomenal prize includes music production, studio recording, mixing and mastering, a live stream session in the Music Smart Live Lounge, a professional photoshoot, AND CD printing and distribution by Music Smart in conjunction with Godiva Festival.
We’re so excited to help deserving local talent find their feet and create something very special.
How will it work?
This year, there’ll be more winners than ever before, thanks to four new categories.
These are Contemporary, Desi, Groups, and DJ/Dance. Plus, two former categories have been renamed to ensure maximum participation – with Urban now known as Rap, Reggae and Afrobeats and Singer/Songwriter as Acoustic.
Remaining unchanged are the popular Indie, Rock, and Under 18s.
Heats are taking place at venues across the city in May at Millsy’s Café Bar, The Tin Music and Arts, The Arches, Knights, The Box, HMV Empire, The Khushi Grill Spon End and The Castle Grounds.
Both the judges – who have been chosen based on their music industry experience, music knowledge, specific genre knowledge and equality, diversity and inclusion – and the audience will vote at the heats, determining the winners.
These lucky 9 will then go on to perform on the Godiva Festival Main Stage, as well as working with us on bringing their music offering to life.
When can acts apply?
If you’re from Coventry and Warwickshire and think you have what it takes to win Godiva Calling, we’d love to see your act.
You have until Friday 9th May for most genres, and Tuesday 13th May at 9am for Under 18s to enter!
Find all the information you need about this year’s heats and finals on the Godiva Calling webpage.
We’ll see you at the Godiva Festival!
We are thrilled to be supporting Godiva Calling.
Being part of the journey with the acts participating in this unique competition is exciting – who knows what lies ahead for the bands and singers as they follow their dreams?!
If you want to head to the festival to catch the winners, along with fantastic established acts like Ocean Colour Scene, Clean Bandit, Marc Almond and many more, grab your tickets today.
The Godiva Festival is on from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July in the city’s War Memorial Park.
We can’t wait to see you there!
