The Youth Music Awards 2026 has revealed the hosts, performers and emerging creatives taking part when the UK celebration of grassroots music comes to Liverpool for the first time this October.
Taking over St George’s Hall on Wednesday 28 October, the awards will bring together rising artists, music industry talent and young creatives from across the UK, with Liverpool musicians among those taking to the stage.
Presenters Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi have been announced as hosts for the ceremony, while KOJ, Roukaya B, Cherry Seraph, Righteous Reck, Livvy K, IMVN and BEASTIE will perform on the night.
Liverpool Talent Takes To The Youth Music Awards Stage
There will be a strong Liverpool presence among this year’s performers, with local rapper KOJ and Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Livvy K joining the line-up.
They’ll perform alongside Salford-born singer-songwriter Roukaya B, Yorkshire-based Cherry Seraph, rapper Righteous Reck, London violinist and producer IMVN, and vocalist and producer BEASTIE.
The celebrations will continue after the ceremony with an official afterparty featuring Tracks on Tap, plus a DJ set from Hannah Lynch of Girls Don’t Sync.
The event marks a major change for the Youth Music Awards, which is moving from London to Liverpool after six years. The 2026 ceremony is being held in association with headline sponsor Wingstop.
Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi To Host
Hosts Crystal Raybe and Success Ariyibi are both familiar faces across UK music and entertainment, having worked at events including the BRITs and MOBOs.
Crystal is a presenter, content creator and host of the breakfast show on Reprezent Radio, while Success is the presenter of A Very Successful Talk Show and has amassed more than four million views across his social platforms.
Both have built their careers around music, culture and entertainment, making them a fitting pairing for an awards ceremony dedicated to championing the next generation.
20+ Young Creatives Will Help Deliver The Liverpool Ceremony
The Youth Music Awards isn’t only creating opportunities for the artists on stage.
More than 20 emerging creatives aged 18–25 from across the country have been selected as this year’s NextGen Creatives, giving them the opportunity to gain professional experience behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading grassroots music events.
Roles include event runners, photographers, PR assistants, backstage presenters and content creators, with the young creatives working alongside experienced industry professionals to deliver the ceremony.
Crucially, the positions are paid roles, with training and travel costs also covered by Youth Music to make the opportunity more accessible.
Carol Reid, Interim Co-CEO of Youth Music, said: “Unfortunately, access to working in the creative industries isn’t equal. That’s why providing young people with hands-on experience like this, paid at the Real Living Wage, is crucial.
“And the Youth Music Awards is better for it – it feels more creative, youthful and innovative. We can’t wait to see Crystal, Success and the full NextGen Creative team bring the party to St George’s Hall!”
Steve Rotheram: ‘There’s nowhere better’ Than Liverpool
The move to Liverpool comes at a time when demand for grassroots youth music opportunities continues to grow.
According to Youth Music, 86% of its funding supports organisations outside London, while waiting lists for grassroots youth projects currently stand at around 33,500 young people. Waiting lists are also reported to be 20% larger in the North than the South.
Welcoming the awards to the Liverpool City Region, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the Youth Music Awards to Liverpool for the very first time.
“This is a city that lives and breathes music. From the Beatles to the brilliant grassroots talent coming through today, music is part of our DNA, so there’s nowhere better to celebrate the next generation of artists, creators and music leaders who are shaping the future of the industry.
“We’re looking forward to giving all the nominees, performers, hosts and guests a proper Liverpool welcome at the magnificent St George’s Hall.”
Youth Music Awards 2026
Nominees for this year’s awards were announced in August, with 11 categories recognising young artists alongside the people helping to build a more diverse and inclusive music industry.
Categories include Rising Star Award (Artist), Rising Star Award (Industry), Lyricist Award and Music Producer Award.
More than 60 judges from across music, media and technology will help choose the winners, with representatives from Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube.
The artist judging panel includes BRIT Award winner Myles Smith, electronic duo BICEP, Faithless’ Sister Bliss, presenters Snoochie Shy and Jess Iszatt, and Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and LockdownT.
The Youth Music Awards 2026 takes place at St George’s Hall, Liverpool, on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Youth Music is a national charity supporting young people to make, learn and earn in music. Its work is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
For more information visit youthmusic.org.uk/awards.
