Speicher Best of Bands Bandcontest

A Stage for Schleswig-Holstein's Young Music Scene

Speicher Husum, a socio-cultural institution in the historic warehouse of the North Frisian town, has been committed to supporting young talent for decades. The Best of Bands Bandcontest is one of its best-known formats: Five young bands from the region each get 30 minutes of stage time, present exclusively original songs, and are judged by the audience. The winner gains public visibility, sometimes performance opportunities at summer festivals, and above all: the self-confidence that comes with a first major stage.

Line-up 2026

The 2026 edition brings together five acts with distinctly different profiles. WINDBACK from Rendsburg is a five-piece pop-rock ensemble. Scheiß am Gleis from Wester-Ohrstedt plays what they call "Bierdosen-Indiepunk" (beer can indie punk). Dirty Gunners from Husum are a youth band playing between punk rock and classic rock. flimr describes its music as a progressive exploration of beauty and destruction. And L.A.U.T. from Flensburg — band members between 15 and 16 years old — combine nu-metal with experimental rock. A mix that shows how diverse the upcoming scene between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea currently is.

The Speicher Concept

Speicher Husum was developed from an old warehouse on the harbor and today hosts concerts, readings, political discussions, workshops, and club activities for young adults. Events are regularly organized on a donation basis or with a low entry threshold — the association sees itself as a counter-model to commercial concert venues. Supporters such as VR Bank Westküste and the festival WUMMS – Festival für die Demokratie support the band contest.

Husum — The Grey Town by the Sea

Husum, immortalized by Theodor Storm as the "grey town by the sea," is today a vibrant center of North Frisia with just under 24,000 inhabitants. The harbor, the market square, and the castle park characterize the town — and Speicher Husum ensures that the young cultural scene also has a place. The state of Schleswig-Holstein supports such initiatives because they keep the cultural landscape on the west coast alive.