For some, it could be their first time on stage. For others, simply somewhere to go on a Saturday night with friends. But a new Woking music showcase aims to give teenagers a space of their own.

The first Youth Grassroots Music Showcase will take place at Fiery Bird Live Music Venue in Woking town centre on Saturday, August 15, from 6pm to 10pm.

The alcohol-free event, organised by Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, is aimed at 14 to 18-year-olds and will combine an open mic with live performances from emerging artists.

Elaine McGinty, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, said the idea came directly from conversations with young people about what was missing from the town.

“We are responding directly to what young people and those who work with them have been telling us — they want somewhere in the town centre where they can enjoy a social life, feel welcome, and have the same opportunities as anyone else,” she said.

“Many of our gigs are already 14+ and we’ve had lots of young artists on our stage before, but those events require an adult to accompany them.

“What young people are asking for now is something different: a place they can come to with their friends, feel included, and have the chance to discover what they enjoy and what they are capable of creating.”

Singer-songwriter Fin, who will perform at the Youth Grassroots Music Showcase at Fiery Bird.
Singer-songwriter Fin, who will perform at the Youth Grassroots Music Showcase at Fiery Bird. (Fiery Bird Live Music Venue)

The evening will begin with an open-mic session featuring music, spoken word and comedy, with young people of all experience levels encouraged to take part.

Performers may also be invited to play a featured set at a future showcase.

The open mic will be followed by performances from emerging artists OMA and Fin.

OMA describe themselves as a “new, grunge-adjacent indie band” and have developed their sound through live performance while writing and recording original material. Singer-songwriter Fin has performed at gigs and festivals and has earned acclaim for their emotional depth and stage presence.

Phoenix says young people do not need to perform to be part of the night. They can come with friends, discover new music and experience a professional grassroots venue without previous experience, a music-school background or connections to an established creative network.

The showcase has been developed by Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, which has championed new and original grassroots music in Woking for 15 years.

Phoenix has also seen first-hand what can happen when young people have limited access to safe and constructive spaces, including unsupervised access to its site, trespass and damage, as well as the associated risk of injury.

Ms McGinty said: “We want them to know this is for them too. They don’t need experience or contacts. They can perform, come with friends, or simply enjoy a great night of live music.”

The programme could eventually expand beyond performing and songwriting to give young people experience in sound engineering, lighting, photography, videography, graphic design, promotion and event production.

Phoenix hopes the showcases will become a regular programme shaped by young people themselves.

Tickets cost £5, although the fee can be waived for anyone unable to afford it.