Today, the Youth Music Awards, the UK’s biggest night in grassroots music, has announced its hosts, performers and NextGen Creatives for the 2026 ceremony in Liverpool on Wednesday 28th October, in association with headline sponsor Wingstop.
Crystal Raybe and Success Arayibi will guide proceedings as hosts for the evening. Both familiar faces across UK music events, including the BRITs and MOBOs, and active within podcasting, Crystal is also the host of the breakfast show on Reprezent Radio and content creator working across media, culture, lifestyle and entertainment. Success Ariyibi, host of ‘A Very Successful Talk Show’, is a presenter and content creator with more than 4 million views across his social platforms. Together, Success and Crystal bring a shared commitment to spotlighting emerging talent and creatives.
Crystal and Success will be joined on stage throughout the evening by an exciting range of performers including local-Liverpool rapper KOJ, Salford-born singer-songwriter Roukaya B, Yorkshire based Cherry Seraph, rapper Righteous Reck, Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Livvy K, violinist/producer from London IMVN and vocalist/producer Beastie. The celebrations are set to continue at the official afterparty with Tracks on Tap alongside a DJ set from Hannah Lynch of Girls Don’t Sync.
Youth Music Awards also announces its team of more than 20 emerging creatives from across the country who will help deliver the event, making up this year’s NextGen Creatives. Comprising of event runners, photographers, PR assistants, backstage presenters and content creators, the team of 18-25 year olds will help execute the Youth Music Awards, alongside a team of experienced professionals. These are paid roles, with all NextGen Creatives first receiving training. Ensuring the opportunity is accessible for everyone, training and travel are all paid for by Youth Music.
Ahead of the first Youth Music Awards being held in Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music, the city’s Metro Mayor, Steve Rotherham welcomes the Awards’ hosts, performers and NextGen Creatives to Liverpool from London after six years.
With 86% of Youth Music funding supporting organisations outside the capital, demand for grassroots youth projects continues to grow – with waiting lists now standing at 33,500 young people and 20% bigger in the North than the South.
Metro Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, 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.”
The nominees for the Youth Music Awards 2026 were announced last month, featuring an exciting range of young British artists who have delivered breakthrough projects that continue to shape the future of music, alongside the visionary leaders driving a more diverse, inclusive, and creative industry. You can see the full list of nominees across the 11 categories including Rising Star Award (Artist), Rising Star Award (Industry), Lyricist Award and Music Producer Award HERE.
More than 60 judges from across music, media and technology will help select this year’s winners, representing organisations such as Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube. Artist judges include BRIT Award winner Myles Smith, DJ duo BICEP, Sister Bliss of Faithless, BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing presenters Snoochie Shy and Jess Izsatt, as well as Youth Music alumni ALT BLK ERA, Emily Makis and LockdownT.
Carol Reid, Interim Co-CEO of Youth Music added: “We’re really proud to announce this year’s Youth Music Awards hosts, NextGen Creatives and performers.
“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!”
Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of the Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
