Wide Days: A Personalized Showcase Experience

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, Wide Days stands out as a small boutique showcase festival with a unique charm. Focused on highlighting Scottish music, the festival has evolved this year by incorporating artists from other parts of the UK and abroad, fostering a diverse musical landscape that extends beyond its borders.

With just under twenty showcasing bands, Wide Days deliberately maintains an intimate atmosphere. The festival strategically invites double the number of industry professionals, creating an ideal setting for artists to network closely with carefully selected participants. In this scenario, the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity, and the benefits of such an approach are palpable.

The conference features panels covering various levels of industry knowledge, from insights into emerging artists to discussions on building music tourism. Wide Days offers quick introductions to key subjects, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the business or seeking a broad spectrum of contacts within the UK and beyond.

The festival’s meticulous curation of artists is overseen by handpicked professionals, allowing only Scottish artists to apply for performance slots. While artists may have the opportunity to participate through exchange programs with their export partners, attending as a delegate offers a rich and valuable experience for forging meaningful connections and conducting business.

Wide Days excels in creating a sense of familiarity, offering a range of activities that go beyond conferences and gigs. From Olaf’s bus tour to whiskey tastings and music-guided tours of record stores and landmarks, the festival ensures a personal touch to interactions, fostering a conducive environment for building connections.

Edinburgh, with its vibrant music scene, serves as an ideal backdrop for Wide Days. With a limited number of artists, professionals have the opportunity to witness every performance, and the rotation of gig venues during the evening enhances the experience by showcasing different stages.

The festival’s 12th edition reflects the potential future trajectory of music industry festivals – a shift towards curated programs, personalized experiences, and meaningful connections rather than extravagant parties with large crowds. Wide Days successfully strikes a balance, keeping the event familial and business-oriented.

For those seeking insights into the UK music scene, Wide Days is a must-attend. While contemplating the prospect of opening up to more international artists poses challenges, the festival’s current format has proven successful, maintaining its family-like atmosphere. The positive experience of this year, coupled with the delightful weather, reinforces Wide Days’ standing as a beacon for the future of showcasing.

For more information, visit: Wide Days Official Website