Liverpool to host Youth Music Awards awards for the first time this autumn

The UK’s biggest grassroots music awards are leaving London for the first time, as the flagship celebration moves to Liverpool on Wednesday 28 October.

Wingstop has also become headline sponsor in a new three-year partnership supporting the next generation of UK music talent.

For the past six years, the Youth Music Awards has been held in London, celebrating the young people and projects nationwide, shaping a more diverse, inclusive and creative future for British music. But with 86% of Youth Music funding supporting organisations outside the capital, the awards are heading to the North West for the first time.  

The move comes at a challenging time for the grassroots music sector. Demand for Youth Music-funded projects continues to grow, with waiting lists now standing at 33,500 young people and 20% bigger in the North than the South. At the same time, more than a third of Youth Music-funded projects are considering closure due to financial pressures.

The move to Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music, will create 21 paid opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience at a high-profile music industry event, with a big recruitment push across Liverpool and the North West. Roles on offer include photographers, PR assistants, content creators (Instagram and TikTok) and event runners.

More than 60 judges from across music, media and technology will help select this year’s winners, representing organisations such as Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. Artist judges include BRIT Award winner Myles Smith, DJ duo BICEP, BBC Radio 1Xtra radio presenter Snoochie Shy, andYouth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and lockdownT.

Youth Music Awards 2026 judge, BRIT Rising Star, and grassroots music advocate, Myles Smith said: 

“As someone whose journey started in grassroots music, I know how important it is to have people who believe in you and opportunities that help you take the next step, which is why I’m proud to be a judge for the Youth Music Awards 2026.

Access to music shouldn’t depend on where you’re from, who you know or what you can afford. I’m excited to see the awards head to Liverpool this year – a reminder that talent exists everywhere. I can’t wait to see this year’s nominations.”

This year’s event coincides with Wingstop, the flavour-led brand at the heart of youth culture, becoming headline sponsor of the Youth Music Awards for the next three years. The sponsorship strengthens an existing partnership that has already supported young creatives through initiatives including Ones to Watch, songwriting camps and paid creative opportunities, as well as spotlighting Youth Music alumni on Wingstop’s own platform, Flavour FM. Together, Youth Music and Wingstop will continue investing in opportunities that help young people build careers in music, both on and beyond the Awards.

Dirujan Sabesan, Chief Brand Officer at Wingstop, says:

“From the very beginning, our partnership with Youth Music has been a natural extension of who we are – a brand rooted in culture, community and a genuine belief in what grassroots music can do for young people. We’ve always known that the most exciting talent doesn’t start on a big stage, it starts in bedrooms, community centres and local venues up and down the UK, and Youth Music gets that better than anyone. Becoming headline sponsor is the culmination of that shared ethos, and our commitment to making sure the next generation of music makers gets the recognition, investment and platform they deserve.” 

Carol Reid, Interim Co-CEO at Youth Music says: 

“The Youth Music Awards are a celebration of the young people and projects fighting every day to ensure music remains open to everyone, regardless of their background or postcode.

At a time when grassroots music projects across the country face significant challenges, it’s more important than ever to recognise the talent, creativity and determination that exists in grassroots communities across the UK. We’re delighted to bring the Awards to Liverpool this year and celebrate the people helping to shape a music industry that is more diverse, inclusive and representative.

We’re hugely grateful to our judges for sharing their time and expertise, and to our partners Wingstop for their continued support in making this year’s awards possible.”

The Youth Music Awards is open to Youth Music NextGen Fund recipients or anyone who has taken part in a Youth Music funded project since January 2021. Nominees for the 11 categories will be announced later this year with awards taking place on 28 October.

Find out more about the Youth Music Awards here.

Find more music events across Liverpool on our calendar.

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