ArtistDirect News
Youth Music Awards 2026 to Debut in Liverpool with New Wingstop Sponsorship
Youth Music Awards 2026 will take place in Liverpool on Wednesday, 28 October, marking the first time the flagship event has left London. The move comes as part of a new three‑year partnership with Wingstop, which will serve as the headline sponsor for the night.
Since its launch in 2020, the Youth Music Awards has celebrated the work of young musicians, entrepreneurs and community projects across the UK. In 2025 the ceremony was described as the biggest night in grassroots music yet, and the organisation has long highlighted that 86 % of its funding supports organisations outside the capital. Moving the awards to Liverpool, a city with a rich musical heritage, aligns with the charity’s mission to recognise talent wherever it originates.
The Liverpool venue will also provide 21 paid opportunities for young people in the city and the wider North West. These roles will give participants hands‑on experience behind the scenes at a major music industry event, supporting the Youth Music mission to develop the next generation of music professionals.
Wingstop’s partnership represents the first time a fast‑food chain has taken a headline sponsorship role in a UK music awards ceremony. The three‑year deal, announced in early October, is designed to support the Youth Music Awards’ focus on diversity, inclusion and creativity, and to give the brand exposure to a broad audience of music fans and industry insiders.
The judging panel for 2026 will feature more than 60 artists and industry experts, including representatives from Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. UK BRIT Award winner Myles Smith will sit on the panel alongside Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and lockdownT.
"As someone whose journey started in grassroots music, I know how important it is to have people who believe in you and opportunities that help you take the next step," Smith said. "Access to music shouldn't depend on where you're from, who you know or what you can afford. I'm excited to see the Awards head to Liverpool this year – a reminder that talent exists everywhere. I can't wait to see this year's nominations."
Nominees for the 2026 awards will be announced later in the year, ahead of the Liverpool ceremony. The Youth Music Awards will continue to highlight projects that are making music more diverse, inclusive and creative.
Youth Music is also recruiting paid roles for 18‑30‑year‑olds who want to build a career in the music industry. The positions will support the planning and execution of the awards night and offer experience in event management, marketing, production and more.
The 2026 ceremony represents a significant step for the Youth Music Awards, bringing the celebration of grassroots talent to one of the UK’s most iconic music cities, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young people across the North West.
Since its launch in 2020, the Youth Music Awards has celebrated the work of young musicians, entrepreneurs and community projects across the UK. In 2025 the ceremony was described as the biggest night in grassroots music yet, and the organisation has long highlighted that 86 % of its funding supports organisations outside the capital. Moving the awards to Liverpool, a city with a rich musical heritage, aligns with the charity’s mission to recognise talent wherever it originates.
The Liverpool venue will also provide 21 paid opportunities for young people in the city and the wider North West. These roles will give participants hands‑on experience behind the scenes at a major music industry event, supporting the Youth Music mission to develop the next generation of music professionals.
Wingstop’s partnership represents the first time a fast‑food chain has taken a headline sponsorship role in a UK music awards ceremony. The three‑year deal, announced in early October, is designed to support the Youth Music Awards’ focus on diversity, inclusion and creativity, and to give the brand exposure to a broad audience of music fans and industry insiders.
The judging panel for 2026 will feature more than 60 artists and industry experts, including representatives from Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. UK BRIT Award winner Myles Smith will sit on the panel alongside Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and lockdownT.
"As someone whose journey started in grassroots music, I know how important it is to have people who believe in you and opportunities that help you take the next step," Smith said. "Access to music shouldn't depend on where you're from, who you know or what you can afford. I'm excited to see the Awards head to Liverpool this year – a reminder that talent exists everywhere. I can't wait to see this year's nominations."
Nominees for the 2026 awards will be announced later in the year, ahead of the Liverpool ceremony. The Youth Music Awards will continue to highlight projects that are making music more diverse, inclusive and creative.
Youth Music is also recruiting paid roles for 18‑30‑year‑olds who want to build a career in the music industry. The positions will support the planning and execution of the awards night and offer experience in event management, marketing, production and more.
The 2026 ceremony represents a significant step for the Youth Music Awards, bringing the celebration of grassroots talent to one of the UK’s most iconic music cities, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young people across the North West.