Music for Youth Proms 2025:
A National Showcase Featuring 3,000 Young Performers
Including WORLD PREMIERE work from Aileen Sweeney
Royal Albert Hall, London | 10 & 11 November 2025
LONDON, UK — Music for Youth is proud to announce the triumphant return of its flagship
national event, the Music for Youth Proms 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall on 10 and 11
November. Over two unforgettable evenings, more than 3,000 young performers from every
corner of the UK will take to the stage in a resounding testament to the vitality of youth
music at one of Britain’s most iconic venues.
From gospel choirs to jazz orchestras, string quartets to sitar ensembles, the Proms will
spotlight the extraordinary diversity and talent of the next generation of musicians. Each
night will see over 1,500 young artists take to the stage in an exhilarating blend of sound
and style, with ensembles, bands and choirs creating the extraordinary atmosphere that
has become the hallmark of this much-loved annual event.
A highlight of this year’s Proms will be the world premiere of Causeway, a major
commission by Scottish composer Aileen Sweeney with lyrics by poet Iona Lee. Drawing
inspiration from the ancient legend of the Giant’s Causeway, this new work explores
music’s power to connect people across cultures, generations and communities. Causeway
brings together a massed children’s choir, full orchestra and Irish dancers in a spectacular
collaboration, commissioned in partnership with BBC Ten Pieces, ABRSM and the Royal
Albert Hall.
Pupils and teachers from the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and
Lewisham are part of the Causeway project, as part of Music For Youth’s Accelerator
Programme ‘Accelerando’ – an initiative that addresses the critical shortage of music
teachers in schools, widening access to high-quality music-making in areas where
opportunities can be limited. Ten primary schools are receiving specialist training and
support, helping teachers build the skills and confidence to nurture music in their
classrooms and inspire the next generation of young performers.
Selected Highlights:
Monday 10 November: Farnham Taiko from Surrey (Tennon Ryu/Matusri – Mark
Alcock/Farnham Taiko), Luton Youth Funk Band (The Blues Brothers Revue), Habs Indian
Ensemble & Strings from Hertfordshire (Teentaal Concerto – Alok Verma & Matthew Herd),
Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra (Mars – The Planet Suite, Gustav Holst), Scran
from the Isle of Man (Manx Jig Set & Manx Reel – Manx traditional & David Kilgallon/Frank
Joughin) and more.
Tuesday 11 November: North Tyneside Steel Band (Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child),
Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra 1 (Giddy Up! – Rick Hirsch arr. Graham Hutton) and emerging
artists Elly Xia, Paloma León, Susi Pagel and Clarion supported by the South Wales
Orchestral Collective.
Music for Youth
Music for Youth (MFY) is a national youth music charity that provides life-changing
performance opportunities for young people across the UK. Supported by Nile Rodgers,
The Hoosiers, Jack Pepper, and more – MFY champions music education and celebrates
young talent through nationwide events.
First staged in 1975 under the banner of The Schools Prom, the Music for Youth Proms
have stood as a cornerstone of Britain’s musical calendar for fifty years. Founded with the
visionary aim of giving young musicians a national platform, the Proms have evolved from
their early days as a celebration of school ensembles into a vast, inclusive festival
celebrating the UK’s musical landscape. Over the years, they have provided an early stage
for some of the nation’s most distinguished artists, including violinist Nigel Kennedy,
percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and oboist Nicholas Daniel, who all experienced the
thrill of performance at the Schools Proms.
Key sponsors include Arts Council England, National Education Union, ABRSM and
Musicians’ Union.
�� Website: www.mfy.org.uk
Phil Castang MBE, CEO of Music for Youth, said:
“What’s especially powerful is seeing this creativity flourish in communities facing real
challenges. In these places, music isn’t just an art form—it’s a lifeline, a source of pride, and
a way to connect. These concerts are a celebration of that spirit. It’s a showcase of what
happens when young people are given the space, support, and encouragement to express
themselves through music.”
For ticket bookings and full programme details, visit https://mfy.org.uk/get-involved/prom-
2025/