Estelle first connected with Leicestershire Music (LM) through the youth voice open mic sessions, drawn by the chance to perform her original music. Initially nervous, she gained confidence through rehearsals at Soft Touch Arts and delivered a powerful performance at 2Funky Café, cheered on by a crowd of 100. Her track was praised by BBC Introducing's Dean Jackson, and with support from LM, she secured a backing track licence, recorded her song, and shared it on SoundCloud. Estelle continues to receive studio support and has shared glowing feedback about her experience on our youth voice page.
Youth Voice
In recent years, Leicestershire Music has significantly expanded its youth voice initiatives, empowering young people across Leicester and Leicestershire to shape music opportunities, showcase their talents, and participate in the region's vibrant cultural life.
Youth Council
Leicestershire Music established a dedicated youth voice group that meets regularly. This group provides a platform for young people to express their needs and aspirations regarding music provision in the area. The sessions are designed to be inclusive and supportive, ensuring all participants feel valued and heard. The group has influenced programming and event design, leading to new opportunities such as open mic nights and performance platforms.
Under 18 Open Mic Events
Responding to youth feedback, Leicestershire Music has continued to offer a series of under-18 open mic nights at a variety of live music venues in and around Leicester.
These alcohol-free events are open to all young creatives. The events are intentionally designed as safe spaces, allowing young people to perform, collaborate, and build confidence without fear of judgment. Support is provided in the lead-up to performances, with mentoring and rehearsal opportunities.
Success stories, highlighted by those who progressed from open mic performances to recording their music and securing festival bookings, reinforce the impact of these initiatives in nurturing talent and supporting progression.
We are currently planning further Open Mic Nights and will promote these on this page and via social media / Schools. Open Mic Nights will be covered as part of the Leics Connect programme (funded by Sound Connections and Youth Music)
Performing at the Riverside Festival
LM has facilitated opportunities for young performers to take part in major public events, including the Riverside Festival in Leicester. The festival, which attracts large family audiences, features local musicians on the Piazza Stage and acoustic sessions in Castle Gardens. Young artists supported by LM have been able to perform to diverse audiences, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Participation in such events helps celebrate the creativity of local youth and integrates them into the wider cultural fabric of the city.
Supporting Attendance at Live Events
Beyond performance, LM has supported young people in attending live music events, sometimes covering costs such as travel to ensure accessibility for those facing barriers.
The organization has also launched the Leics Connect project, a training and mentoring programme that equips young people with skills for creative careers, including learning from industry professionals and understanding pathways into the music sector. These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to progression and inclusion, ensuring that all young people—regardless of background—can experience and participate in live music, both as performers and as audiences. We are delighted to confirm that we have successfully bid for funding to continue to run Leics Connect into 2026 / 27. Open Mic nights will be covered as part of the Leics Connect programme (funded by Sound Connections and Youth Music).
Wider Impact & Recognition
LM's youth voice work is recognised as sector-leading. The organisation was selected for Sound Connections' Activate programme, enabling further investment in training and youth-led development. The approach emphasises empowerment, inclusion, and practical support, helping young people build confidence, skills, and networks for lifelong engagement with music.
Summary
Over the last 12 months, Leicestershire Music has:
- Established a thriving youth voice group to guide its work.
- Delivered inclusive under-18 open mic nights, fostering creative expression and progression.
- Enabled young people to perform at high-profile events like the Riverside Festival.
- Supported attendance at live music events and provided career development opportunities through targeted training programmes.
These efforts have created a dynamic, supportive environment where young people's voices are central and their musical journeys are celebrated and advanced.
Check back soon for information about our next Open Mic Night
Please see the videos below showcasing our very successful Open Mic Nights featuring the amazing young talent that Leicester and Leicestershire has to offer!
What are LM Open Mic Nights? - Cool as Leicester Interview
INTERVIEW: Leicestershire Music launches new open mic night for young people
For young people interested in music, don't miss a brand new open mic session launching that is aimed at those aged 14 – 25. Based at 2Funky Music Cafe and organised by Leicestershire Music, we caught up with them to find out more about it as well as their other projects.
How would you introduce the new open mic night that you are launching?
This is an open mic night with a difference. It's an open mic event, for young people, by young people. Over the last couple of months, I have established a youth voice group that meets regularly to discuss what they want from a music provider in Leicester and Leicestershire. One of the requests was a chance to perform and share music without the pressure of a huge audience. So that is what we have created. It is a chance for young people to step into a safe space and share their creativity, which everyone has, and to be supported and celebrated without judgement.
What makes it different to other open-mic events?Fundamentally, the intended difference is that this is truly inclusive, across-the-arts open mic. It's not solely for musicians. We welcome poets, dancers, artists, and fashion designers. A range of creativity all in one place. I believe that music plays a part in almost every aspect of life, so to bring that together, and share our creativity, through music or other means, is a great opportunity for learning and growing. We are also championing young creatives from the age of 14 -25. We are promoting inclusivity, diversity and equality, and as such will be hosting an alcohol-free event, to ensure that everyone who is attending feels safe and can be fully present.What type of artists can get involved? (skill level, age, genre etc?)
As mentioned, I would love to welcome a wide range of artist, and collaborators, from instrumentalists to signers, DJ's, MCs, dancers, poets, artists who have recorded their music but may feel they don't wish to perform, we would love to hear your music and celebrate your achievements, artists. If it's creative, we want to include it. You don't have to be at a high standard, absolutely not. Your attendance is what's important. We are also offering support before the 25th of April, so if you feel you would like to work with other creatives, then we have 2 sessions, hosted at Soft Touch Arts, New Walk, Leicester. I know how it feels to question yourself, but I promise you, the culture we are creating is one of acceptance and celebration. Not judgment and shame.
What made you choose 2Funky Lounge as the venue?
I have been seeing and hearing good things about the work that 2funky is doing, and I wanted to tap into that. I know that they support local artists too, and it is great to work closely with the team there. The professional environment, with the stage, the lightning and the sound engineers all help to create this experience for the young people that I know will be so positive and will inspire other young people to give it a go. It's about providing an opportunity that is more than usual. Offering a bit extra, you know?!
Tell us a little more about Leicestershire Music?
Well, Leicestershire Music is celebrating its 75th year of music education this year. We are based at County Hall and offer a wide range of musical tuition throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. Many of our lessons take place in schools and colleges, and I'm confident that many of the readers will know someone who has been involved with LM at some point. The instrumental lessons in schools include - the ukulele, djembe, steel pans, violin, brass, singing, guitar, drums and recorder, turntablism and more. We also have bands, orchestras and other groups that meet regularly throughout term time, for both beginner and more advanced players. New members are always welcome!
