Youth Music Awards Heads to Liverpool for 2026 Ceremony: See Full List of Nominations
The judging panel features artists Myles Smith, Bicep & ALT BLK ERA.
The Youth Music Awards are moving to Liverpool for their 2026 ceremony, marking the first time since the event's inception in 2019 the competition has been held outside London. The awards, which celebrate emerging artists and community projects, will take place at St George's Hall on October 28. Nominations have been announced across 11 categories, recognizing talent in various aspects of the music industry, from performance to behind-the-scenes roles.
Over 60 judges from companies such as Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group, and YouTube will select the winners. Artist judges include Myles Smith, Bicep, ALT BLK ERA, Sister Bliss, and presenters Snoochie Shy and Jess Izsatt from BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing. Several acts with strong ties to Liverpool have been nominated, including singer-songwriters Livvy K, Bethane, and Astles, as well as rapper KOJ.
Categories include Rising Star awards for industry professionals and emerging artists, a Lyricist award, a Music Video award, and recognitions for exceptional projects in areas like original tracks, music producer, and social action. The relocation of the awards to Liverpool will create 23 paid opportunities for young people in the city and the wider North West region.
The Youth Music Awards Access Fund, supported by Sony Music, will assist nominees with travel expenses to the event. Notable previous winners of the accolades, including Sam Fender, Ezra Collective, and Jack Drum Arts, have been supported by Youth Music-backed projects.
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