Proper Pub Idol is back for 2026, and pubs across the North East are taking part, including The Singing Canary in Newcastle and Spring Gardens in North Shields. Entrants could win a place in the national final and a recording studio session.
The competition, sponsored by VK and Take! Tequila, is coming to community pubs in the North East, hoping to find the nation's best local singers. Heats kick off from September 7.
How the competition works
Weekly pub heats give contestants the chance to perform in front of fellow punters, with each heat winner receiving a bottle of prosecco. The competition builds towards the pub final in the week commencing October 12, where the winner takes home a £50 bar tab.
Pub champions then progress to the regional final during the week commencing October 26, with a £100 bar tab on offer. Finalists will have the chance to represent their pub at the National Final on November 22, which takes place at The Miners Arms, Middlesbrough.
Prizes and eligibility
The national winner will receive £1,000 plus a studio recording day, while second place will win £500 and third place £250. Full-time professional singers are not eligible to enter. You can apply by getting in touch with your local Proper Pub owned venue.
The venues taking part in the North East include: The Singing Canary, Newcastle; Blue Bell, Felling; Spring Gardens, North Shields; Beehive, Sunderland; Bird, Washington; Crown Colliery, Boldon Colliery; Royal George Tavern, Shildon; Stag Inn, Stockton; Rosie's Tavern, Darlington; Turks Head, Darlington; and Miners Arms, Middlesbrough.
