For the fifth year we hosted the Youth Music Awards at Troxy, bringing together the best of grassroots music from artists to young leaders, entrepreneurs and a variety of projects shaking things up across the UK scene.
The theme this year was ‘Rescue the Roots’, a call to action to protect grassroots youth music spaces. Over 40% are at risk of closure, so this year’s message feels very timely.
More than 600 guests filled our Grand Hall, enjoyed a delicious awards dinner catered by Boulevard Events and partied with us into the late hours. The team brought in some additional special effects from Phoenix to supplement our inhouse production. Seven live acts and a DJ entertained throughout the evening, with the final performance from Dia Day and Shogun Shato (who bagged the Rising Star Award for Group), meaning the night ended with a full nine-piece band and pure joy bouncing off the walls.
The Youth Music Awards team made full use of Troxy’s top-spec JBL sound system for crystal-clear surround sound, and our LED rig helped create custom lighting looks that gave the whole night a larger-than-life feel. Additional crew were brought in to maximise seamless takeovers and change sets ready for the next act.
Alongside the enhanced production style, the guest list was a who’s who in the industry with a host of famous faces on stage including Sister Bliss, Guvna B, DJ Semtex, Jodie Bryant, BICEP, I.JORDAN, Harry Gay, Kennedy Taylor, Mary Mandefield, lockdownT, ALT BLK ERA, SHERELLE, Ellie Dixon, Ivo Graham, Cristale and Yomi Adegoke, to name a few.
These awards always remind us of the power of community, creativity and good people coming together for something bigger. The next generation of music talent is alive and thriving, and we couldn’t be prouder to host it.
Cristina Barone, Head of Engagement & Events comments:
“The Youth Music Awards is the biggest celebration of grassroots music in the UK. Troxy is the perfect venue for our flagship event – thanks to the whole team for hosting us for the fifth year!”
Photography credits: Jack Oliver, Jess Robinson, Katie Ho.
