What Is Imagine?

Imagine is a global series of music competitions for young, fresh talent that is open to all styles of music.


At Imagine pop bands compete with metal bands, electro versus rock, jazz versus hip hop, classical versus ska, world versus punk, anything goes! The unifying competition criteria are age (participants must be between 13-25) and quality (musical skill, originality, preparation, audience engagement and stage charisma).

Imagine, now in over 10 countries worldwide, begins with local preselections usually held provincially or regionally where artists from all styles compete on stage for the chance to perform at their national Imagine festival. The national Imagine takes a selection of the best groups/artists from across the country for a final series of workshops and competition where only one group or artist will be chosen to represent their country at the international Imagine festival held in Brussels, Belgium.


The international Imagine is the apex of the entire festival series. A total of 110,000 musicians participate in the Imagine program each year. At Imagine '2011' the best of the best will compete, and yes, there can only be one winner!
The festival includes 2 days of international music workshops for the musicians and is followed by the Belgian National Finals finishing off with the International Imagine Competition on the final day. The winner of Imagine '2011' will receive an international Imagine Tour in 2012, the opportunity to record a professional demo album and a full PR makeover!


For young musicians, Imagine provides an extraordinary opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in a very competitive international music market. Imagine creates professional opportunities for each and every musician who participates at any level of the competition, through trainings, workshops and international exchange. Imagine, although a contest, places its main focus on the human relationships that are built between the different musicians and between the people who attend the festivals. It is through music that we are able to create positive change together, to break down barriers of whatever nature and make a difference in the world. Imagine inspires young people, both onstage and offstage to reach their full potential, creating independent people through independent music!


Imagine promotes healthy, sustainable lifestyles and is eco friendly!
Imagine 2011 strives to be as green as possible serving fairtrade refreshments, placing an emphasis on recycling, sustainability and global citizenship. Imagine will be campaigning for Safe Sound in 2011, taking on the responsibility to ensure that young people are not only protected at our festivals but are well informed of the dangers of excessive sound levels.