Youth Grassroots Music Showcase Launches at Fiery Bird Woking 15 August 2026

We are proud to announce the launch of our first Youth Grassroots Music Showcase in ourprofessionally equipped 200-capacity Fiery Bird Live Music Venue in Woking town centre on Saturday 15 August, from 6pm to 10pm.

Created in direct response to requests from young people, this pilot event delivers a vibrant, safe and alcohol-free live music experience for 14–18-year-olds during the summer holidays—offering a rare opportunity in the town centre for young people to come together, connect, and be part of something creative and exciting and help shape Woking’s emerging music scene

Building on Phoenix’s 15 years of championing new and original grassroots music in Woking, the evening will open with a dynamic open-mic session featuring music, spoken word and comedy. Young people of all experience levels are encouraged to take part—whether stepping on stage for the first time or already confident performers. Open-mic participants may also be invited to perform a featured set of their original work at a future showcase.

The open mic will be followed by live performances from two outstanding emerging young artists, OMA and Fin.

OMA describe themselves as a “new, grunge-adjacent indie band.” Already experienced gigging musicians, they have developed their sound through live performance while writing and recording original material. They return to the stage with a forthcoming EP, The Spiral.

Fin is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter whose performances at gigs and festivals have already earned strong acclaim for their emotional depth and stage presence.

Importantly, young people do not need to perform to be part of the night. They are equally welcome to come with friends, discover new music, and experience the energy of a live grassroots venue. No previous experience, music-school background, or connection to an established creative network is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm.

Phoenix has developed this pilot quickly and without specific funding, in direct response to young people highlighting the lack of town-centre evening provision for their age group. The organisation has also seen first-hand the consequences of limited safe, constructive spaces for young people, including unsupervised access to the site, trespass, damage, and the associated risk of injury.

With a newly secured two-year lease on the building, Phoenix is now able to fully develop this work from its core purpose—creating a safe, professionally managed environment where young people can thrive creatively.

Elaine McGinty, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, said:

“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.

“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.

“Creative opportunities too often reach those who already have confidence, connections and strong support networks—and we see how powerfully that helps people thrive. But there are many young people who don’t have access to those informal routes into opportunity, or the confidence and support that encourage them to step forward.

“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. We also want to grow these showcase nights into a regular programme—one that young people help shape and take ownership of—so they can build their own creative, live music culture in Woking, reflecting their identities, interests and ambitions.

“By uncovering skills and opportunities in a supportive creative environment, they become the instigators and creators—building confidence and connections that should be available to everyone.”

Future opportunities will extend beyond performance and songwriting to include sound engineering, lighting, photography, videography, graphic design, promotion and event production. These experiences can open pathways into Surrey’s significant creative industries, while also offering value to young people who simply want to meet others, build confidence, and enjoy an original cultural experience.

Phoenix will seek sponsorship to support the programme, enabling free food, practical training and supported places so that cost or personal circumstances do not prevent participation. The organisation welcomes interest from anyone able to support this aim.

Tickets are £5, helping to support performers and venue costs. However, Phoenix is committed to ensuring access for all, and the fee can be waived for anyone unable to afford it.

Tickets are available at www.fierybirdvenue.org.uk.

For further information, or to enquire about performing at the open mic, contact bookings@fierybirdvenue.org.uk.