Hal Leonard Celebrates Sixth Year as Headline Sponsor of the Youth Music Awards, Honoring Grassroots Creativity and Social Impact
London, UK, 16 October 2025 – Hal Leonard was proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Youth Music Awards, marking the sixth consecutive year of support for this inspiring event. Taking place at the iconic Troxy in London, the Awards celebrated the trailblazing talent, projects, and leaders transforming the UK music scene today. The ceremony also marked a milestone, as Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths stepped down after 13 years of leadership — a period in which he redefined the charity’s mission, expanded its reach across the UK, and launched the annual Youth Music Awards.
Centered on the call to arms "Rescue the Roots," the 2025 Awards spotlighted the funding crisis threatening grassroots youth music projects across the UK. The Awards served not only as a celebration of creativity, diversity, and resilience, but also as a rallying cry to safeguard the grassroots organizations at the heart of youth music culture.
With an incredible lineup of judges, including Tinie Tempah, I. JORDAN, Ellie Dixon, Jess Iszatt, Fee Mak, Jodie Bryant, and Maia Beth, alongside many other influential voices from across the industry, the stage was set for another unforgettable evening of recognition and discovery.
The 2025 Social Action Award
One of this year’s standout moments was Hal Leonard presenting the Social Action Award to Art Against Knives – THE LAB.
Launched in 2015 and co-designed with local young people, Art Against Knives – THE LAB transforms a community space into a pop-up music studio every Wednesday. It provides a safe and professional environment where young people can write, record, and produce music, while also receiving vital mentoring and support in personal development and conflict management. Beyond music-making, THE LAB creates opportunities for young people to showcase their work, make positive life choices, and access further pathways in the industry.
The other nominees, AudioActive, which continues to nurture talent across Sussex and beyond, and TiPP’s Rhythm & Renewal, supporting young people in youth justice services, were also recognized for their vital contributions to social impact through music. Hal Leonard congratulates Art Against Knives – THE LAB on their inspiring win and celebrates all nominees for their extraordinary impact in using music as a force for change! ?
Celebrating Social Change Through Music
Since becoming the headline sponsor of the Youth Music Awards in 2019, Hal Leonard has supported the recognition of remarkable projects and individuals driving social change through music. Past Social Action Award recipients have gone on to make significant contributions across the creative industries: Supermann on da beat (2024) continues to advocate for accessibility and representation for Disabled artists nationwide; Pembe Tokluhan (2022), founder of Petok Productions, created a groundbreaking database highlighting women, trans and non-binary professionals in backstage roles and has since toured internationally with Nile Rodgers and CHIC; while earlier winners such as Music Fusion (2021) and Cuttlefish Orchestra and Jack Drum Arts (2019) have expanded their community programmes, using music to empower young people and foster social change in their regions.
“The Youth Music Awards are always a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the chance to create. The artists and leaders we celebrate tonight are shaping the future of music at its roots. At a time when grassroots projects face a major funding crisis, showcasing their impact has never been more vital. The energy, talent and ambition in this room are proof of why these spaces matter. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and the incredible artists who were shortlisted.” - Matt Griffiths, Youth Music CEO??
“Hal Leonard Europe is proud to continue our partnership with Youth Music for the sixth year running. These Awards are a testament to the extraordinary creativity and resilience of young people across the UK. By supporting grassroots projects and NextGen talent, we’re helping to ensure that the future of music is diverse, inclusive, and thriving. Congratulations to all the incredible winners and nominees!” - Oliver Winstone, Head of Business Development, Hal Leonard Europe
For a full list of winners and more information, visit youthmusic.org.uk/awards.???
About Youth Music:
Youth Music is the UK’s leading young people’s music charity. They believe that every young person should have the chance to make, learn, and earn in music and wider creativity. Yet research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. They leverage insights, investment, and influence to build a national grassroots infrastructure that ensures the future of music is more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible. Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.
youthmusic.org.uk
About Hal Leonard Europe:
Hal Leonard Europe companies are part of the Hal Leonard group of companies – the world’s largest source of music publications, representing many of the world’s best-known and most respected publishers, artists, songwriters, arrangers and instrument manufacturers. Hal Leonard Europe companies publish and distribute an extensive catalog of printed and digital publications, sheet music, music education resources, instruments, gifts, accessories, and pro audio in Europe and around the world. There are Hal Leonard Europe offices and distribution centres located in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.
halleonardeurope.com
Photo credit JACK OLIVER.