This July, Birmingham will once again take centre stage as it hosts the UK’s largest celebration of young musical talent - the Music for Youth National Festival 2025.

Taking place from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 July, the National Festival will bring over 8,000 young performers from across the UK to the city for three inspiring days of live performances and engaging workshops. The festival highlights the breadth of youth music-making, from classical ensembles and choirs to jazz, pop, rock, folk and rap to innovative cross-genre collaborations.

The festival will feature performance groups across various genres and stages of musical development, offering audiences the chance to experience an extraordinary range of talent and artistry. Performances will take place in Birmingham’s most prestigious venues, including:  

- Symphony Hall – Home to world-class orchestras and large-scale ensembles
- CBSO Centre – Showcasing smaller chamber groups and jazz performances
- Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at B:Music – A hub for emerging artists and new music creators

From full-scale orchestras and jazz collectives to dynamic youth choirs, the festival’s diverse line-up ensures an unforgettable musical experience for performers and audiences alike.

Primary Live 2025 is supported by Trinity College London. Primary Live offers an ideal opportunity for children to work towards Arts Award Discover – through learning about different art forms, experiencing a variety of music genres, and exploring the work of artists. Arts Award is a unique set of qualifications for children and young people aged 25 and under, managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England. Schools entering students for Arts Award achieved through Music for Youth activity are eligible for a special discount. Find out more on the Arts Award website.

In addition to the main performances, the festival features:

- Fringe Stage – Showcasing experimental and boundary-pushing new work
- Workshops - Designed to equip young musicians with new skills, creative inspiration, and insights from industry professionals, covering everything from composition to improvisation, phrasing and performance practice.
- Interactive Marketplace – Engaging audiences of all ages with hands-on music experiences

The Music for Youth National Festival is more than just a showcase—it is a platform for the next generation of artists, educators, and cultural leaders.

For full programme details, ticket information, and partnership opportunities, visit: mfy.org.uk