Youth Music

28/08/2026

Applications for the Youth Music NextGen Fund are now OPEN! ✅

Grants of up to £3,000 are available for 18-25-year-old creatives (or up to 30 if you’re Deaf, Disabled or neurodivergent), to support you to develop and launch a music project.

Find out more and apply: https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/funding/i-need-funding/nextgen-fund

Deadline for applications: Friday 25 September, 5pm

We have updated the application portal. This means that you will need to create an account to be able to submit your application. The URL for this new system is:
https://youthmusic.my.site.com/

The Youth Music NextGen Fund has been made possible thanks to Postcode Lottery UK players, and support from PPL - Phonographic Performance Ltd and Wingstop UK.

27/08/2026

Announcing the nominees for the Youth Music Awards 2026 in association with Wingstop UK 🏆

Spanning 11 categories, the highlight emerging talent and grassroots music projects across the UK.

Taking place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Wednesday 28th October, the awards will leave London for the first time since launching in 2019.

Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/45MheID

26/08/2026

The wait is over! The Youth Music Awards 2026 nominees and sponsors have been revealed. 🎉

They’re an inspiring snapshot of what a more diverse and creative music industry can look like when we invest in grassroots music.

The last three Mercury Prize winners all came through Youth Music-funded projects at some point in their journey. Now we can’t wait to celebrate the next generation of changemakers in Liverpool. 💥

Read more:

The event will be held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on October 28 – the first time it has been held outside London since launching in 2019...

24/08/2026

Love live music?

There's one week left for Ticketmaster United Kingdom customers to donate to Youth Music when purchasing tickets.

Every donation will help create more opportunities for young people facing barriers to access music, supporting the next generation of musicians, creators and industry talent.

24/08/2026

Don't forget to submit your application ⌛

Applications for the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund close this Friday at 5pm.

Find out more: https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/funding/i-need-funding/trailblazer-fund

19/08/2026

Trailblazer Fund applicants: we've updated our FAQs 📢

As part of this funding round we've made some small changes to the Trailblazer Fund criteria. You can read about these changes and see more useful information about our funds in our latest FAQs.

You'll also find information about applying through our new funding system.

Read the updated FAQs: https://bit.ly/3RChaHJ

Deadline: 29 August, 5pm

12/08/2026

The artists of tomorrow need support today.

This month, you'll be able to donate to Youth Music when buying tickets through Ticketmaster United Kingdom.

Your donation will help young people across the UK access music-making opportunities, develop their talent and build brighter futures through music.

11/08/2026

As conversations about social media bans continue, it's vital we talk about what young people are actually experiencing.

Join us for an honest discussion on digital life, connection and the spaces where young people find community.

Last few places left! Register now: https://bit.ly/3T8l0sM

11/08/2026

Applying to the Trailblazer Fund? Things may look a little different...

We've moved to a new funding database, so you'll notice some changes when you log in and complete your application.

We've updated our FAQs to help guide you through the process and answer common questions: https://bit.ly/3RChaHJ

⏰ Applications close at 5pm on 29 August.

10/08/2026

Our Energiser Fund partners are helping children, families and young people connect through music, making and play.

This month, we’re sharing joyful updates from Made with Music Magic Acorns, TACO, The Spark Arts for Children and The Whitworth. With family singing, creative printmaking, dream-island building, rockstar storytelling and National Play Day celebrations taking place across local communities.

Find out more about the Energiser Fund: https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/funding/energiser-fund

Shout out to our funder Arts Council England, whose support makes the Energiser Fund possible.