Youth Music has unveiled its judging panel for the sixth annual Youth Music Awards, with over 70 high-profile artists and industry professionals coming together to support the UK’s next generation of artists.
The Youth Music Awards, in association with Hal Leonard Europe, will be announced on Wednesday 15 October at the iconic Troxy in London.
Organised by Youth Music, the national charity championing equal access to music for young people, the awards aim to highlight both talent and the urgent need for industry support. They celebrate the most inspiring people, projects and sounds emerging from grassroots music scenes across the UK.
The event is closely tied to Youth Music’s ‘Rescue the Roots’ campaign, which is raising funds to protect grassroots music opportunities. The charity has pledged to match every donation, aiming for a total of £2 million in its first phase to secure the future of youth-led music.
Judges will assess entries across seven categories, submitted by young artists involved in Youth Music-funded projects or supported through its NextGen Fund, which helps emerging creatives starting out in the industry.
Other notable judges include BBC presenters Jess Iszatt, Maia Beth, Abbie McCarthy and Fee Mak; broadcaster and live music champion Jodie Bryant; and Youth Music ambassadors.
Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths praised the panel’s diversity and dedication: ‘Their commitment to shining a light on emerging talent is what helps make these awards so powerful, and we can’t wait to showcase the shortlist.’
Oliver Winstone, Head of Business Development at Hal Leonard Europe, described the company’s long-standing partnership with Youth Music as a ‘meaningful part of our mission’, adding, ‘It’s always a highlight to celebrate the boundary-pushing creativity and passion behind these grassroots projects.’
Reflecting on her own journey, judge Ellie Dixon said: ‘We wouldn’t have anything without grassroots music. It’s the birth of the industry.’
Youth Music Awards 2025 is supported by partners from across the music, fashion and creative sectors.
