Join us for a three-day feast of live music! Hear performances from talented young musicians, from jazz, soul and funk groups to choirs, orchestras and much more.
Open to the public, every July, thousands of young musicians from across the UK perform at world-class venues in Birmingham as part of the annual Music for Youth National Festival.
Not-to-be-missed highlights this year include:
- Performances by the next generation of young musicians (full line-up to be announced soon)
- ‘Fringe stages', featuring a mix of musical performances
- Workshops with industry professionals
- Frequencies New Music Residency for 16-25 year olds. Selected participants will be collaborating with local orchestras to upscale their music for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November. Applications for the New Music Residency are now closed and selected participants will be announced soon. To find out more, click here.
Get your National Festival tickets now!
National Festival tickets on sale soon!
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
More information about the workshops on offer and the Fringe Stage will be announced soon.
Thursday 10th July
MFY Presents: Rising Stars
10:30 - 12:45
Impressive sounds from musicians, aged 8-11
MFY Presents: Listening In
13:45 - 16:15
Exhilarating ensembles from across the musical spectrum
MFY Presents: Roots and Rhythms
18:00 - 20:00
Music from around the globe in one spectacular showcase of world, folk, and roots
Friday 11th July
MFY Presents: Rhapsody in Song
10:30 - 13:15
Brilliant young voices bringing music to life with passion and energy
MFY Presents: Swing, Soul and Rhythm
15:00 - 17:45
A thrilling session highlighting the talent of young jazz musicians from across the UK
MFY Presents: The Late Set
19:00 - 21:15
An exhilarating exploration of jazz, blending tradition with innovation in a stunning showcase
MFY Presents: Primary Live
11:00 - 12:00
An inspiring concert for young people, by young people
MFY Presents: Little Stars, Big Sounds
13:00 - 15:30
Impressive sounds from musicians, aged 8-11
MFY Presents: Creative Ensembles
16:15 - 18:45
Unique approaches to music making from around the country
MFY Presents: Voices in Harmony
19:30 - 21:30
An electrifying showcase of powerful and dynamic choral performances
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space
MFY Presents: Festival Fringe Stage
10:15 - 12:15
MFY Presents: Festival Fringe Stage
13:00 - 15:00
Frequencies Presents: Next Wave Showcase
19:30 - 21:30
Emerging music creators showcasing their talent in front of music industry professionals
Saturday 12th July
MFY Presents: Rhythm Revolution
10:15 - 13:00
Young percussionists pushing the boundaries of rhythm
MFY Presents: String Serenade
14:00 - 16:30
Strings take centre stage in this compelling session of young musical talent
MFY Presents: The Sound Collective
17:30 - 20:15
Exhilarating ensembles from across the musical spectrum
MFY Presents: A Symphony of Sound
10:30 - 13:15
Full-scale orchestral performances
MFY Presents: Set the Tone
14:30 - 17:00
Adventurous performances highlighting the brilliance of young brass and wind players
MFY Presents: Fanfare and Flourish
18:30 - 20:30
Bold sounds, tight rhythms, and unstoppable momentum - this is brass and wind in full force
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space
MFY Presents: United in Sound
10:30 - 13:00
Exhilarating ensembles from across the musical spectrum
Frequencies Presents: Full Volume
14:00 - 16:30
A mix of music from rising artists
Frequencies Presents: Sounds of Tomorrow
17:30 - 20:00
A mix of music from rising artists
The Music for Youth National Festival is an educational programme with a special reputation. It will provide you and your group with world-class mentoring from industry professionals, as well as a professional performance experience on a national platform.
Music for Youth is a registered charity, and everything we raise goes towards supporting young people from all backgrounds across the UK to take part in our educational programme.
The National Festival participation fees are as follows:
£35 – groups under 4 participants
£60 – groups between 5-9 participants
£85 – groups between 10-50 participants
£100 – groups with 51 or more participants
Each group will be invoiced directly once you have confirmed your attendance.
For groups who may find this cost prohibitive, we have a subsidy scheme available to ensure we reduce as many barriers to participation as possible. Please visit our subsidy page here for more information on how to apply.
I had an amazing time over the weekend playing at the National Music For Youth Festival with The Mountbatten Concert Wind Band… It was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I got the chance to play there!
