The registration period began this Thursday, April 15, at 10:00 AM and will remain open until Saturday, May 16, at 11:59 PM. Interested parties must register exclusively through the municipal website, www.bilbao.eus, where the competition rules can also be consulted.

Groups or solo artists residing in Bizkaia are eligible to participate, provided that at least one member is registered in the Historical Territory. The Bilbao Metal Pop-Rock Showcase will continue to be open to a wide variety of genres, including Metal, Pop, Rock, Folk, Rap, and Hip Hop, with the sole exception of Jazz. To further promote diversity, the jury will particularly value bands with female members and those that present songs in Euskera.

To participate, it is necessary to complete an online form and attach four original songs in mp3 or wav format, a photograph of the group or artist, and a musical history in doc, docx, or pdf format. A total of 15 proposals will be selected.

The selected bands will perform live at Sala Bilborock during Bilbao's Great Week. Each concert will last 45 minutes (maximum 50), and a maximum of two covers or adaptations will be allowed per performance. A professional jury, composed of journalists and music specialists, will be responsible for selecting the 15 proposals, which will join the winning band of the Aste Nagusia award in the Villasound 2026 competition. Concerts will be held in two daily sessions: at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.