NATIONAL FESTIVAL
GET YOUR TICKETS
GET YOUR TICKETS
A celebration of young musical talent from across the UK
Join us for a thrilling feast of live music at the Music for Youth National Festival – an unmissable summer celebration of creativity, collaboration and young talent.
Every July, thousands of young musicians from across the UK come together in Birmingham to perform in world‑class venues, showcasing the incredible breadth of youth music‑making today. Expect everything from jazz, soul and funk bands to choirs, orchestras and genre‑blending ensembles, all brought together in one vibrant, city‑wide festival.
Open to the public and bursting with energy, the National Festival is your chance to discover the next generation of musicians, hear powerful performances by young people at the top of their game, and experience music in all its diversity. Whether you’re a music lover, educator, parent or first‑time visitor, there’s something to inspire everyone.
What to look forward to:
• Performances by the next generation of young musicians
An exciting programme of live performances from young people selected from thousands across the UK (full line‑up to be announced soon).
• Fringe stages
A lively mix of pop‑up and fringe performances across festival venues, perfect for discovering new sounds and surprise moments.
• Workshops with industry professionals
Insightful and hands‑on sessions led by experienced musicians and music industry experts, offering inspiration and practical guidance.
From headline concerts to intimate performances and creative opportunities behind the scenes, the Music for Youth National Festival is a bold, joyful celebration of young people and the power of music.
Programme Overview
Friday 10 July 2026
-
MFY Presents: Together for Music (10:00 - 12:00)
MFY Presents: Together for Music (13:00 - 14:45)
MFY Presents: Rhapsody in Song (15:45 - 18:15)
MFY Presents: The Late Set (19:30 - 21:30)
-
MFY Presents: Primary Live (11:00 - 12:00)
MFY Presents: Rising Stars (13:00 - 15:30)
MFY Presents: Little Stars, Big Sounds (16:15 - 18:45)
MFY Presents: Voices in Harmony (19:30 - 21:30)
-
MFY Presents: Festival Fringe (10:15 - 12:15)
MFY Presents: Swing, Soul and Rhythm (13:00 - 15:00)
MFY Presents: Friday Night Showcase (19:30 - 21:30)
-
MFY Presents: Listening In (10:15 - 12:15)
Saturday 11 July 2026
-
MFY Presents: Rhythm Revolution (10:15 - 13:00)
MFY Presents: Roots & Rhythms (14:00 - 16:45)
MFY Presents: String Serenade (17:45 - 20:15)
-
MFY Presents: A Symphony of Sound (10:15 - 12:45)
MFY Presents: Collective Sounds (13:45 - 15:45)
MFY Presents: Set the Tone (16:30 - 19:00)
MFY Presents: Fanfare and Flourish (19:30 - 21:30)
-
MFY Presents: United in Sound (10:30 - 13:00)
Frequencies Presents: Full Volume (14:00 - 16:30)
Frequencies Presents: Sounds of Tomorrow (17:30 - 20:00)
Where are groups coming from?
PRIMARY LIVE
Engage and inspire your musicians with music for young people,
by young people.
Music for Youth's Primary Live concert is coming to Birmingham as part of the 2025 National Festival, on Friday 11th July. This concert will provide children aged 4-11 with the opportunity to experience live music-making at the world-renowned Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
TOGETHER FOR MUSIC
The Music for Youth Festival for D/deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent Young Musicians
We are delighted to announce Together for Music, a specially designed inclusive music festival is back for 2026! This festival promotes groups of all abilities within the deaf, neurodivergent and disabled communities.
FESTIVAL FRINGE
Looking for more ways to get involved at the MFY National Festival? Step into the Festival Fringe – a buzzing hub of creativity, collaboration, and fun!
Open to all, the Fringe offers a vibrant mix of interactive workshops and informal performance spaces, where young people can make music, meet new people, and try something completely new – whether you're performing in the main festival or just coming along for the experience.
What’s on at the Fringe?
- Hands-on workshops led by inspiring professional musicians and ensembles
- Pop-up performance spaces – no pressure, just fun!
- Festival Hub – meet and chat with industry professionals about your next steps in music
The Festival Fringe is the perfect place to experiment, express yourself, and feel part of the wider MFY community – all in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Festival Fringe Workshops
Thursday 9 July 2026
-
The Music for Youth Young Ambassador programme brings together people from across the UK to deliberate on Music for Youth’s programme and recommend solutions that shape its future. This roundtable event will have a democratic approach and will empower young people, whether they want to develop their skills to build a career in music or experience it as a source of joy.
Anyone between the ages of 16-25 can sign up for free. If you are a young person that cares about music education and are thinking about a career in the music industry, have your say in shaping the future of the industry and join us at our open forum.
Duration: 2 hours
Date: 4pm, Thursday 9 July
Location: Ratcliffe Room, CBSO CentreSuitability: Anyone aged between 16-25
Friday 10 July 2026
-
Join leaders and singers from the National Youth Choir for an action-packed singing workshop including work from the BBC Get Singing programme. We'll start by getting our bodies and brains fired up with some warm-ups, then we'll learn some songs - and maybe even create some new music together too!
By the time the session is over, you will have learned something new about singing - and you'll get the experience of coming together to form a united choir with other young singers from across the UK, just like in the National Youth Choir. This session will be led with support from National Youth Choir Emerging Professional Artists and singers from National Youth Choir (18-25 Years).
The National Youth Choir is a national champion for choral singing. We run choirs for more than 1000 enthusiastic singers from around the UK aged 9-25 who take part in inspirational residential courses, concerts and recordings in school holidays. We lead lively and engaging singing workshops in schools and run training programmes for emerging young professionals.
Led by: National Youth Choir
Duration: 1 hour
Date: 1pm, 4pm and 5.30pm, Friday 10 July
Location: Justham How Room, Symphony Hall
Suitability: Singers of any age or ability
-
Gain practical and performance advice from one of the UK’s top jazz musicians.
Come and join world renowned jazz pianist, Pete Letanka, for a masterclass in the art of improvisation, phrasing and performance practice. This hands-on session will allow young aspiring jazz musicians to jam, develop new techniques to further their skills and find their unique voice.
Duration: 1 hours
Date: 2.30pm, Friday 10 July
Location: Justham How Room, Symphony Hall
Suitability: Groups, aged 11 and above of any ability
Saturday 11 July 2026
-
With the Royal Marines Band Service and Northamptonshire County Youth Concert Band
Ever wondered what it feels like to stand on the podium and lead a live band? Now’s your chance.
Join Captain Trevor Naughton, Director of Music, Portsmouth Royal Marines Band, and Captain Hannah Trudgeon, Director of Music, Collingwood Band, for a dynamic, hands-on workshop where you’ll step into the role of conductor. Working with a live Concert Band, you’ll explore the fundamentals of conducting and experience the thrill of shaping the sound of an ensemble in real time.
This practical session will guide you through essential techniques, rehearsal skills, and the art of communicating musical ideas with confidence and clarity.
Participants will:
Learn core conducting techniques
Develop skills in leading and managing a rehearsal
Take to the podium to conduct a live Concert Band
As part of one of the world’s leading military music organisations, Royal Marines Musicians receive elite training and travel the world performing on global stages – all while working towards a fully funded BMus degree. Whether you're a brass, woodwind, or percussion player, this is an unforgettable opportunity to take your playing to the next level.
Led by: Captain Trevor Naughton and Captain Hannah Trudgeon from the Royal Marines Band Service
Duration: 1 hour
Date: 10.30am and 12.15pm, Saturday 10 July
Location: Justham Howe Room, Symphony Hall
Suitability: Wind, brass and percussion musicians aged 11 and above of any ability
-
With the Royal Marines Band Service
Ever wondered what it’s like to rehearse and perform under a professional conductor? Now’s your chance.
Join Captain Trevor Naughton, Director of Music, Portsmouth Royal Marines Band, and Captain Hannah Trudgeon, Director of Music, Collingwood Band, as they put your ensemble through its paces in a high-energy rehearsal inspired by the Royal Marines Band Service. Led by world-class conductors, this session will focus on precision, ensemble awareness, and the teamwork that underpins outstanding performance.
You’ll gain a real insight into the discipline, detail, and musicality required at the highest level, while experiencing the drive and momentum of a professional rehearsal environment.
Participants will:
Rehearse under the direction of professional military conductors
Develop ensemble skills, precision, and musical awareness
Experience the focus and intensity of a Royal Marines rehearsal setting
As part of one of the world’s leading military music organisations, Royal Marines Musicians receive elite training and travel the world performing on global stages – all while working towards a fully funded BMus degree. Whether you're a brass, woodwind, or percussion player, this is an unforgettable opportunity to take your playing to the next level.
Led by: Captain Trevor Naughton, Director of Music for the Portsmouth Royal Band and Captain Hannah Trudgeon, Director of Music for Collingwood Band
Duration: 45 minutes
Date: 3pm and 4.15pm, Saturday 10 July
Location: Justham Howe Room, Symphony Hall
Suitability: Wind, brass and percussion musicians aged 11 and above of any ability
-
With the Army Engagement Ensemble
Get ready to move, groove, and play side by side with the professionals in this high-energy, New Orleans-inspired marching band workshop!
Led by the Army Engagement Ensemble, this exciting session gives young musicians the chance to experience the infectious rhythms and vibrant spirit of marching music – all while learning from top-level Army musicians.
You'll rehearse and perform alongside the pros in a fun, engaging setting that brings together musical excellence and performance energy.
Led by: Army Engagement Ensemble
Duration: 1 hour
Date: 2.30pm and 4.15pm, Saturday 10 July
Location: ICC Hall, Symphony Hall
Suitability: Wind, brass and percussion musicians aged 11 and above of any ability
