A DYNAMIC four-piece indie pop rock band from West Wales has paused its local live performances to pursue a place in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

With no direct route for UK artists to represent the UK at Eurovision, Aberystwyth band Misha and the Kings turned their attention to one of the few countries that welcomes international acts: San Marino, in Southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy is known for opening its selection process to overseas artists, the microstate offers musicians from across Europe the chance to compete for a place on the world’s biggest music stage.

Earlier this year, the band submitted an original song to San Marino’s national selection process. The track was accepted as contest-worthy, leading to an online casting round judged by a Sammarinese panel.

After recording and filming their audition in Borth, Ceredigion with support from local creatives, the band successfully progressed to the next stage.

They have now been invited to attend an in-person performance evaluation in San Marino, with the possibility of advancing to televised semi-finals in March.

“It still doesn’t quite feel real" said a spokesperson for the band. “One minute we’re rehearsing in West Wales, the next we’re preparing to perform in front of Eurovision judges.”

The band emphasises that they balance music alongside full-time jobs and everyday expenses. Travelling to San Marino, potentially multiple times, presents a significant financial challenge.

To help cover travel and production costs, Misha and the Kings have launched a crowdfunding campaign.

Supporters who donate will receive an exclusive early copy of the Eurovision entry, a track that has not yet been released publicly due to competition rules.

“At the very least, this is the adventure of a lifetime, at best, it’s a chance to represent Aberystwyth on the Eurovision stage.”

The crowdfunding campaign can be found at ko-fi.com/mishaandthekings .