Inclusive Music Festival Returns to Birmingham: Music for Youth Announces ‘Together for Music’ Event for 2025

Birmingham is set to host a significant event celebrating young musical talent next spring, as Music for Youth (MFY) has officially announced the return of the “Together for Music” festival. This inclusive music event is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2025, at B:Music, a prominent cultural venue located in the heart of the city.

The “Together for Music” festival is a key component of MFY’s extensive Regional Festivals programme for 2025, which is widely recognised as the UK’s largest festival initiative dedicated to young musicians. The broader programme spans from February to April 2025, featuring events across more than 20 locations nationwide, underscoring MFY’s commitment to providing performance and development opportunities across the country.

Championing Inclusive Music Making

A central tenet of the “Together for Music” festival is its unwavering focus on inclusivity. The event is specifically designed to empower and inspire young musicians from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on individuals within the deaf, neurodivergent, and disabled communities. By creating a dedicated platform, MFY aims to break down barriers to participation and ensure that musical opportunities are accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or ability.

Support for this initiative comes from key partners, including Trinity College London, through its Awards and Certificates in Musical Development qualification, and in association with the Sounds of Intent programme. This collaboration highlights the educational and developmental aspects of the festival, linking participation to recognised frameworks for musical learning and engagement, particularly for those with special educational needs.

A Day of Performances, Workshops, and Engagement

The festival programme on March 14, 2025, promises a dynamic and interactive experience for participants and attendees alike. The day is structured to include open sign-up performance slots, providing young musicians with the chance to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Alongside performances, the festival will host a variety of workshops, a marketplace, and talks presented by Trinity College London.

The interactive workshops are specifically curated to cater to young musicians of all abilities. These sessions are designed to foster creativity, offering participants opportunities to collectively create new compositions, explore their individual musical voice, and contribute actively to a collaborative creative process. The marketplace is expected to feature resources and information relevant to young musicians and music education, while the talks from Trinity College London will likely delve into aspects of musical development, qualifications, and pathways for young artists.

Perspectives on the Initiative

Phil Castang MBE, the Chief Executive Officer of Music for Youth, has expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the forthcoming event. His leadership underscores the importance of the festival within MFY’s strategic vision for supporting and nurturing young musical talent across the UK, particularly through initiatives that champion diversity and accessibility.

Participation and Registration

Registration for those wishing to attend workshops or simply watch performances at the “Together for Music” festival is now open. Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to register their interest promptly to secure their place at this celebration of young, inclusive music making in Birmingham.

The festival represents a vital opportunity for young musicians, especially those from underrepresented groups, to connect, learn, and share their passion for music within a professional and encouraging setting. Its inclusion in the wider MFY Regional Festivals programme reinforces its significance as a key date in the calendar for youth music in the UK in 2025.