we are really to now be able to share all the amazing videos sent to us for our 2026 Live Digital Music Festival on YouTube
In March - will held a one-minute music showcase on YouTube. Submissions came from schools, music service groups, individual pupils and music organisations across the Hub region. Every half an hour new videos showcasing local young talent were released on the Heart of England YouTube, creating a fantastic playlist of talent across the region. There were 204 videos submitted in total.
Watch the 2026 videos playlist
The event was all about everyone coming together to celebrate music education pathways and opportunities across the hub region and share their amazing work. There is a wide range of talent on show, from individuals playing solo pieces and singing, to whole orchestras and rock bands. It is a great way to enable pupils and families to see the opportunities across the region and to see they are just one of many pupils learning instruments. We want to encourage all young people to watch the videos and if a music group looks exciting, for them to get in touch and give it a go! If you didn't get involved this year then watch out in 2027 for information about how to be involved.
This is what Madaleine Turner, Headteacher at Clifford Bridge Academy said about the event:
"At Clifford Bridge, we’re making brilliant use of the Digital Music Festival YouTube performances by playing them as the whole school enters the hall for assemblies. These live‑recorded performances give all children the chance to access, enjoy and celebrate the talents of young musicians across the Heart of England Music Hub. Pupils love seeing and hearing instruments they may never have encountered before, and it’s wonderful to watch them light up and join in with songs they know and love. It’s a simple, free and highly effective way to bring live music into school, creating a shared musical experience that children genuinely enjoy. There are 192 short one minute clips to choose from and you can explore the full range of online content using the link above"