Application Deadline: 11 September 2026 (Fri) at 12:00 NN (HKT)
▶Hong Kong Asia Pacific Youth Band Sound Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Regional Contest)
Date: 18 October 2026 (Sun)
Time: (To Be Announced)
Venue: MoM Livehouse, Fortress Hill
▶Hong Kong Asia Pacific Youth Band Sound Competition 2026 (The Asia Pacific Finals)
Date: 11 December 2026 (Fri)
Time: (To Be Announced)
Venue: Piazza area C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
▶Asia Pacific Sonic Surge 2026
Date: 12 & 13 December 2026 (Sat & Sun)
Time: (To Be Announced)
Venue: Piazza area C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
The above schedule is subject to change. Please refer to the Presenter's latest announcements for updates.
Presenter: The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Competition Format and Performance Invitations
a. All eligible Hong Kong bands applying for the Hong Kong Regional Contest will enter the selection process directly. The judging panel will select the top six Hong Kong bands to advance to the Asia Pacific Finals.
b. The Asia Pacific Finals will feature six Hong Kong bands competing on the same stage with six bands from across the Asia Pacific region to compete for the top honours.
c. The six Hong Kong bands that advance to the Asia Pacific Finals are required to perform on one of the days (either 12 or 13 December 2026) at the "Asia Pacific Sonic Surge 2026", held at the same venue. The performance duration for each band is estimated to be approximately 30 minutes.
Eligibility
a. All band members must be aged 35 or under (as of 11 December 2026).
b. At least 50% of band members must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID).
c. Bands must consist of 2 to 6 members, with at least 2 members performing on instruments. Each participant may only represent and compete for one band.
d. The band roster submitted at the time of application is final. No replacements or additions of members are permitted throughout the entire competition (both the Hong Kong Regional Contest and the Asia Pacific Finals).
e. Bands that have previously participated in the "Youth Band Sound Competition" presented by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups are welcome to re-apply, provided they do not reuse past award-winning songs (see "Song Requirements" for details).
Song Requirements
a. Entries must be original songs in any musical genre or style. However, the songs and performances must not contain any political or religious remarks, profanity, or inappropriate content. Violation will result in immediate disqualification.
b. The core melody and main lyrics of the entry must be of entirely human origin, and must not directly copy or employ AI-generated outputs.
c. For Hong Kong bands advancing to the Asia Pacific Finals, the competition song must remain unchanged from the original submission during the initial application and be performed in the Hong Kong Regional Contest.
d. The total time allocated per band (including equipment setup, soundcheck, and performance) is 10 minutes. Points will be deducted for any overtime.
e. Any song that has previously won a top 3 placement or an individual award in the past "Youth Band Sound Competition" is ineligible for the 2026 edition.
Instruments and Equipment
a. The Presenter will provide the following backline: 2 guitar amplifiers, 1 bass amplifier, 1 electronic keyboard, 1 drum kit with cymbals, and a professional PA system.
b. Participants must bring their own personal instruments and accessories (e.g., guitars, bass, drumsticks).
c. The use of sequencers, samplers, DJ equipment, and other production gear is permitted.
d. Bands must maintain the same instrumentation and setup throughout the entire competition (both the Hong Kong Regional Contest and the Asia Pacific Finals).
Judging Criteria and Regulations
a. A panel of music professionals will serve as judges.
b. Scoring Rubric (Total 100%): Musical Creativity (25%), Artistic Execution (25%), Band Synergy (25%), and Stage Presence & Style (25%).
c. Score sheets will NOT be distributed to the participants.
d. The decisions of the judging panel are final and absolute. No objections will be entertained.
e. The finalist list will be announced on 13 November on the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups - Cultural Services Unit's official website (http://csu.hkfyg.org.hk), Instagram and Facebook. Finalists will also be notified via email.
f. The Presenter reserves the right to disqualify any participating band at its sole discretion.
Awards and Prizes
a. Asia Pacific Regional Champion, 2nd Place, 3rd Place: Cash prizes of HKD $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively, along with trophies.
b. Hong Kong Regional Champion, 2nd Place, 3rd Place: Cash prizes of HKD $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively, along with trophies.
c. Individual Awards: Best Lyrics (Hong Kong), Vocalist, Guitarist, Bassist, Drummer, and Keyboardist will each receive HKD $1,000.
d. The Presenter will give priority consideration to Hong Kong finalist bands and make recommendations regarding future performance opportunities.
e. The Presenter reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the presentation of any awards.
Copyright, Privacy, and Rights Reserved
a. The Presenter reserves the right to photograph, audio record, and video record all competition events, performances, and related festival activities, and to utilise these materials for promotional and archival purposes.
b. Personal data collected will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for competition administration.
c. The Presenter reserves the final right to modify or amend these regulations at any time without prior notice.
Application and Payment Method (Hong Kong Regional Contest)
a. Complete this application form and settle the entry fee (HKD $500 per band). The Presenter will contact the band within 3 working days upon receiving the application details to verify eligibility and provide payment instructions.
b. The entry fee is strictly non-refundable once settled. By settling the entry fee, applicants agree to and accept this condition.
c. Application Deadline: 11 September 2026 (Fri) at 12:00 NN (HKT)
Enquiries
Ms. Danielle Zhang
Phone: 2395-5753
Email: danielle.zhang@hkfyg.org.hk
Reference
Past Booklets: LINK
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