The Youth Music Awards are moving from London to Liverpool for the 2026 ceremony, marking the first relocation since the awards launched in 2019. The event will take place at St George’s Hall on October 28.
The shortlist spans 11 categories, recognising emerging talent both onstage and behind the scenes, as well as young leaders working to increase accessibility in the U.K. music industry. More than 60 judges from across the sector will select winners, representing companies including Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. Artist judges include BRIT Award winner Myles Smith, DJ duo Bicep, heavy rockers ALT BLK ERA, Faithless’ Sister Bliss and BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing presenters Snoochie Shy and Jess Izsatt.
Several Liverpudlian acts feature among the nominees, including singer-songwriters Livvy K, Bethane and Astles, and rapper KOJ. The rising star award (artist) shortlist includes Hulton, Livvy K, Marz Fay, Righteous Reck and Roukaya B. Other categories include lyricist, music video, music producer, original track, outstanding project, social action award, young leader award and inspirational music leader.
The event’s relocation to Liverpool will create 23 paid opportunities for young people in the city and across the North West region, with roles including photographers, PR assistants, content creators and event runners. The Youth Music Awards Access Fund, funded by Sony Music, will support nominees with travel costs to and from the event.
Three recent Mercury Prize winners have been previously supported by Youth Music-backed projects: Sam Fender (2025) received early funding through Newcastle-based organisation Generator; English Teacher (2024) won the Youth Music Awards’ rising star award in 2022; and Ezra Collective (2023) developed through London youth groups Tomorrow’s Warriors and Kinetika Bloco.
See Myles Smith live
Upcoming Myles Smith events with tickets available:
- Aug 26, 2026 — The Met Presented by Highmark, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Get tickets
- Aug 28, 2026 — Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, Grand Rapids, Michigan · Get tickets
- Aug 30, 2026 — Agora Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio · Get tickets
- Sep 2, 2026 — Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana · Get tickets
- Sep 3, 2026 — Saint Louis Music Park, Maryland Heights, Missouri · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Billboard
