BBC Contains Strong Language are looking for the best emerging spoken word talent in the UK.
Contains Strong Language, the BBC’s festival of poetry and performance, are looking to find the best emerging spoken word performers in the UK. Whatever your influences – lyricism, rap or hip hop – we want to know about you!
If you’re a spoken word artist, a rapper, an MC, poet or performer, and aged between 18 and 30 – Words First is for you.
Words First is a talent development scheme which will enhance your spoken word skills and confidence onstage. Selected artists will be given the chance to develop their work with established artists in workshops run by Apples and Snakes and Young Identity. Following this, shortlisted participants will be invited to take part in a recorded performance at the Contains Strong Language Festival in Bradford this September in front of a live audience. Their performance will be broadcast on national radio afterwards.
To apply:
- Head to the BBC Uploadwebsite – Click on ‘Upload’ and select the area that is local to you from the list. Upload your file and fill out the form with as much information about yourself and your spoken word piece as possible. Make sure to check the “I’d like this to be considered for BBC Words First” box to have your entry considered.
- Applicants will need to be aged between 18 and 30 years old on the date that they upload their entry to BBC Upload.
- We just want to hear your voice, so please do not include any beats or music in the recording, as the entry will not be accepted.
- The deadline for entries is 5:00pm on Monday 12th May 2025.
- If you have applied previously, you may enter Words First 2025 but only if you have not reached the final and performed at Contains Strong Language. In this case, your application will not be accepted.
- Audio entries should be no longer than 1 minute and submitted in English.
More information, T&Cs are here: BBC – Words First Talent Development Scheme 2025. Do get in touch if you have any question
