The Youth Music Awards will move its ceremony from London to Liverpool for the first time since launching in 2019, with nominations for the 2026 edition now announced. The event, taking place at St George's Hall on 28 October, celebrates emerging British artists, industry professionals and grassroots community projects, underlining the awards' role in supporting the next generation of the UK music sector.

The 2026 shortlist covers 11 categories and will be judged by more than 60 industry figures from companies including Apple, Meta, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Music Group and YouTube, alongside artists such as Myles Smith, Bicep and ALT BLK ERA. Several Liverpool acts feature prominently, including Livvy K, Bethane, Astles and KOJ, while the relocation is expected to create 23 paid opportunities for young people in the city and the North West. Organisers also point to past Youth Music-backed talent going on to major success, including Mercury Prize winners Sam Fender, English Teacher and Ezra Collective.