Christian musicians from across the UK are being invited to apply for the chance to perform live at this year’s Church Resources Exhibition (CRE).
A new initiative, ‘Sounds of the Church,’ will see two acts selected to appear at CRE 2026, which is being held at Sandown Park in Surrey on October 14 and 15.
The competition welcomes entries from a broad range of Christian performers, including independent Christian singer-songwriters, gospel ensembles, church choirs, and contemporary worship bands and.
Organisers are encouraging churches and music groups to put themselves forward for the opportunity to perform before an audience of visitors, worship teams and church leaders from across the country.
Musicians and groups wishing to enter Sounds of the Church will need to send in a recording of themselves performing up to three songs, with applications closing on September 23.
Two successful applicants will secure a live performance slot at the exhibition.
The initiative is intended to give Christian musicians a platform to share their work with a wider audience while also highlighting the variety of music being produced and performed within churches and Christian communities across the UK.
MTS Live will support the initiative by supplying the staging and audio-visual equipment needed for the live performances at Sandown Park.
CRE is an annual exhibition bringing together organisations, ministries, suppliers and service providers that work with and support churches.
Last year’s exhibition, also held at Sandown Park, attracted over 2,300 visitors and over 170 exhibitors, according to organisers.
The event also serves as a networking space for churches, charities and Christian organisations, with exhibitors showcasing resources covering areas such as worship, technology, mission, finance, buildings, church administration and wider Christian networks.
