The Youth Music Awards is the biggest night in grassroots music.

Young people are the future of the music industries. At the Youth Music Awards, we celebrate the people and projects making sure that future is more diverse, more inclusive and more creative.

From young leaders and entrepreneurs to lyricists and producers, the event platforms trailblazers from across the UK.

The Youth Music Awards are open to Youth Music NextGen Fund recipients or anyone who has taken part in a Youth Music funded project since January 2021. 

Nominations are now open!

jayahadadream performing in a denim top and jeans. She's on stage at the YMAs 2025, performing with sunglasses on in front of a large screen with her name on it, singing into the mic

Nominations are open to Youth Music NextGen Fund recipients, or anyone who has taken part in a Youth Music funded project since January 2021. 

The categories open for submission are....

  • Inspirational Music Leader Award: A music leader who has a lasting impact on their project participants, whether that's through their unique approach, unwavering commitment or deep compassion.
  • Outstanding Project Award: A project doing exceptional work to equalise access to music for young people.
  • Rising Star Award (Industry): A young person who’s making their mark behind-the-scenes of the music industries.
  • Rising Star Award (Artist): A group or solo artist making waves in the music industry.
  • Social Action Award: Changemakers who have made an outstanding impact on their local community, or to social justice issues (individuals, collectives or projects).
  • Young Leader Award: A young person who is developing exceptional leadership skills as a project participant.
  • Lyricist Award: An artist or group showcasing originality, emotion, and storytelling through their lyrics in an original track.
  • Music Producer Award: A young producer raising the bar in music production, engineering, mixing and/or mastering.
  • Music Video Award: An outstanding music video by an artist or group.
  • Original Track Award (Group): An outstanding original track written and recorded by a group (two or more people).
  • Original Track Award (Solo): An outstanding original track written and recorded by a solo artist.

Deadline for nominations: Sunday 1st February 2026

View the nominations terms and conditions here.

Submit your nomination via Award Force

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jayahadadream performing in a denim top and jeans. She's on stage at the YMAs 2025, performing with sunglasses on in front of a large screen with her name on it, singing into the mic
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