This October, we're taking the Youth Music Awards somewhere new.

For the first time ever, the Youth Music Awards are leaving London and heading to Liverpool.

On Wednesday 28 October, we'll bring the biggest night in grassroots music to one of the UK's most iconic music cities, celebrating the young people, projects and organisations making music more inclusive across the UK.

This year's Awards also mark the start of an exciting new chapter with Wingstop, who become headline sponsor as part of a new three-year partnership with us. Together, we'll continue helping and celebrating the young people, projects and communities shaping the future of grassroots music.

Why Liverpool?

For the past six years, we've celebrated the Youth Music Awards in London. But with 86% of our funding supporting organisations outside the capital, it feels like the right time to take our flagship event somewhere new. 

Liverpool is one of the UK’s most important music cities, and it is the perfect place to celebrate the incredible work happening grassroots music across the UK.

The move will also create 21 paid opportunities for young people across Liverpool and the North West to gain hands-on experience working behind the scenes at a major music industry event.

Big names join the judging panel

Every year, the Youth Music Awards invite some of the biggest names in music to listen to and judge the UK's most inspiring young creatives, entrepreneurs, leaders and grassroots projects.

This year, we're thrilled to welcome BRIT Award winner Myles Smith to a judging panel of more than 60 artists and industry experts from across music, media and technology. Joining him are Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and lockdownT, alongside representatives from Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group, YouTube and many more.

Speaking about joining the judging panel, Myles said:

We'll be announcing this year's nominees later this year, before welcoming young creatives, grassroots projects and music industry leaders to Liverpool on 28 October.