Music for Youth has announced that the National Festival 2026 will return to Birmingham on  Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, transforming the city into the beating heart of youth music in the UK.

This flagship national celebration will bring together thousands of young musicians from every corner of the country, filling Birmingham with live performances, creative energy and the unmistakable buzz of the next generation shaping the future of music.

Across two unforgettable days, the festival will showcase the full spectrum of youth music-making — from orchestras, choirs and concert bands to jazz collectives, soul groups, funk outfits and boundary‑pushing genre‑blending ensembles. Each July, Birmingham becomes a national stage for young talent, and in 2026 audiences can expect a vibrant programme featuring standout performers selected from thousands nationwide. Headline concerts, intimate sets, pop‑up performances and a lively fringe will offer endless opportunities to discover new sounds and witness young creativity at its most exciting.

Beyond the performances, the festival will host hands‑on workshops and creative sessions led by experienced musicians and industry professionals, giving young people the chance to develop new skills, spark ideas and explore music beyond the stage. The atmosphere will be further lifted by a bustling festival fringe, while Primary Live on Friday 10 July will welcome children aged 4–11 into the world‑renowned Symphony Hall for an inspiring introduction to live music-making.

Open to all and designed to ignite imaginations of every age, the Music for Youth National Festival 2026promises a bold, joyful and unmissable weekend celebrating the power of music and the extraordinary talent of young performers across the UK.

For programme updates and ticket information, visit: mfy.org.uk