Max HeyraudCUPRA Ireland has announced the return of its ‘ON THE PULSE’ DJ competition for 2026, offering one emerging Irish selector the chance to land a peak-time slot at Beyond The Pale Music & Arts Festival this summer.
Now entering its third year, the national competition continues to spotlight the next wave of Irish electronic talent, with the ultimate prize being a peak-time set at Club CuCú x CUPRA, the festival’s late-night forest stage. The winner will also receive a cash prize to help further develop their career.
Applications open on February 17th, with DJs across Ireland invited to submit a 45-minute mix that showcases their technical ability, creativity and individuality behind the decks. A panel of industry judges will assess entries based on originality, technical proficiency and overall impact. For emerging artists looking to break into the festival circuit, this is a rare chance to do so on a major platform.
The winning DJ will perform at Club CuCú x CUPRA during Beyond The Pale 2026, which takes place from June 12th-14th at Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow. The late-night forest venue has quickly become a key destination within the festival, pairing high-spec production with forward-thinking electronic programming in a uniquely atmospheric woodland setting.
Beyond The Pale returns for its fifth edition in 2026, continuing its evolution as one of Ireland’s most distinctive summer festivals. Already announced for this year’s line-up are Caribou, Soulwax and Father John Misty, with further global and homegrown acts to be revealed in the coming months.
CUPRA has also confirmed the renewal of its official partnership with the festival for a third consecutive year, deepening its ties to Ireland’s electronic music community. In addition to its presence at Glendalough, the brand plans to expand the Club CuCú x CUPRA concept beyond the festival later this year, with a series of urban electronic events set to roll out across Ireland.
For those looking to take the next step in their DJ career, ‘ON THE PULSE’ offers more than just a competition, it’s a direct route to one of the most talked-about stages of the summer.
Applications are open via the CUPRA Ireland website here. Best of luck!
