A cross-border opportunity for young musicians to build cultural connections across Europe is opening up to the UK for the first time since it was founded in 1945.
The Imagine Music Experience is for musicians aged 13 to 21 from Belgium, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe with the winning entries taking part in a grand final in a different country each year.
Now the Nottingham-based Fisher Gate Point, host for the UK final, is calling on UK organisations to provide opportunities to young people by staging a regional heat; sponsoring an artist journey; providing funding or other in kind support.
Cultural producer Tiffany Holland, who is leading the programme in partnership with Fisher Gate Point, said:
“When I saw the valuable international opportunities that IMX was creating for young artists, I was shocked to find out that despite years of JMI trying to get us on board, there were still no UK organisations participating to showcase the incredible young talent growing out of our country. It’s such an honour to be the first, and I couldn’t be more proud to represent the UK’s grassroots music community.”
Following a decade of the organisers trying to get the UK involved, last year saw the Bristol band Kodachrome perform at the iconic Botanique in Brussels and take home the most original act award as well as coming second overall in the main competition.
The Bristol band has now been booked to perform in Nottingham, supporting Amsterdam-based band Zaphyria. Building on connections made across Europe via the initiative, there are also exciting plans that could see them performing in Serbia, Macedonia, Paris and at the Live International Finals 2026 as guest performers.
Kodachrome said:
“Performing in Brussels was huge for us. Performing on an international stage alongside artists from across Europe showed us what’s possible and gave us confidence that our music connects beyond the UK. The experience pushed us creatively and professionally, and the relationships we built will stay with us for a long time.
“As a young, independent band, it meant everything to share a stage with artists our age from different countries and cultures. As a diverse group of young musicians, having that environment helped us feel confident, respected and able to perform at our best on an international stage.”
Every finalist also received workshops, a professional photo shoot and training to help take their career to the next level, as well as the opportunity to connect with young artists from across Europe and further afield.
Carol Reid, interim CEO, Youth Music, said:
“Youth Music was proud to support Imagine UK in its inaugural year. We’ve witnessed first-hand how amazing the finals were in Brussels, so were delighted when Fisher Gate Point brought it to the UK.
“It’s not often that UK based young bands get to travel internationally, and the experience is truly transformative. Whilst there’s only one winner, taking part is a great opportunity for bands to hone their performance skills and meet other young creatives. We’d love to see other partners come on board to make this year’s event bigger and better!”
JMI, the global non-profit organisation behind the international music competition, was set up to bring young people together to overcome the divides created by the two World Wars. Today JMI is present in over 100 countries worldwide to enable young people to develop through music across all boundaries.
JMI said:
“With their explosive energy and theatrical stage presence, Kodachrome delivered an incredible performance that was impossible to ignore. Their ability to turn every song into a story, combining rock, funk, soul, and theatre, earned them a well-deserved second place and left a lasting impression on both the jury and audience. Not bad for the first ever representatives of the UK at Imagine!!”
Organisations, funders and supporters interested in getting involved can contact england@imaginemusicexperience.net
Follow the socials to find out when the UK regional heats open and how to enter.
Imagine England: Imagine England (@imagineengland)
JMI Imagine Experience: Imagine Music Experience
Posted on 16 February 2026
