A new pilot micro-grant programme, Teenage Kicks, has been launched to support the delivery of high-quality live music events for young people aged 18 and under across Belfast.

Delivered by Belfast City Council, the programme responds directly to the strategic aims of A City Imagining, Belfast’s ten-year cultural strategy, and the Music Matters Strategy, both of which emphasise inclusive access to culture and the importance of safe, age-appropriate music activity for young people.

Teenage Kicks will provide grants of £2,000 to venues, festivals, promoters and music organisations to support the presentation of alcohol-free concerts specifically designed for under-18s. The programme recognises that the loss of bar revenue can be a significant barrier to hosting these events and offers targeted financial support to encourage venues and organisers to engage with younger audiences.

The scheme seeks to support a diverse range of genres, venues and programming approaches, including one-off concerts or earlier performances alongside existing shows. By encouraging activity across different spaces and musical styles, the programme aims to broaden young people’s access to live music while fostering sustainable pathways into Belfast’s wider music ecosystem.

A minimum of eight concerts will be supported through this pilot, with events taking place across the city up to December 2026. Applicants will be asked to outline their proposed event, the artists or genres they intend to programme, how the event will be managed safely for young audiences, and how it will be promoted to ensure meaningful engagement.

Eligibility and key principles

  • Applicants must be Belfast-based or working in partnership with a Belfast venue

  • Events must be alcohol-free and specifically targeted at under-18s

  • Artists must be paid in line with recommended industry rates

  • Applicants may apply for up to two events per venue

  • Ticketed events are permitted, with pricing encouraged to remain accessible

Eligible costs include artist fees, staffing, security, equipment hire and marketing. The programme does not support pre-existing under-18s showcases or costs incurred prior to an award being made.

Applications close on 23rd February 2026 at 3pm.

For further information, guidance or application materials, email culture@belfastcity.gov.uk with ‘Teenage Kicks’ in the subject line.

Teenage Kicks represents a focused investment in young audiences and early engagement with live music, supporting both the cultural development of the city and the long-term sustainability of Belfast’s music scene.