Saved events

Young Barbican Takeover Festival 2025

Young Poets

This action-packed day festival returns with a stunning line-up of live music, workshops, film screenings and more curated for and by London's emerging creatives.

The Young Barbican Takeover Festival is an opportunity for London's young creatives to come together, explore the Barbican and enjoy live performances. 

Come along to makers workshops led by Artizine and Material Grrrlz, enjoy live music curated by So Young Magazine, and join us for a series of performances and talks by Travis Alabanza, James Massiah, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and more. 

Our Young Film Programmers alumni have curated an afternoon of film screenings and our Barbican Young Poets will be performing in our iconic Conservatory.

Looking to break into the world of publishing or fashion? Discover engaging talks and networking with industry professionals as we welcome leading publishers including Penguin, Fitzcarraldo, Silver Press, Chateau International and Season Magazine. 

Discover the full programme below.

Young Barbican
Our Young Barbican scheme is a community designed to inspire young creatives. Aged 14-25? Join Young Barbican for free and get access to discounted tickets on unmissable art, entertainment, food and shopping. 

Venue
This event takes place across multiple venues including the Freestage, Fountain Room, Level G Studio, Cinema 1, Frobisher Auditorium 1, Conservatory, Garden Room and Conservatory Terrace. 

Running time:
12pm–6pm 

Age guidance: 14+
All events are suitable for people aged 14 and above except for Girlhood which has an age restriction of 15.

 

Event information
You don't need to be a Young Barbican member to come along, the event is open to all.

The centre will be open from 10am for you to collect your wristband before the event starts at 12pm. 

This event is part of Spring at the Barbican: Concrete Garden, a series of events inviting you to retreat from the noise of the city with a season of growth and transformation.
 

Presented by the Barbican's Creative Collaboration team. 

£10 Festival Pass
The festival pass gives you access to all events on the day. Capacity is limited for some of the talks, so you'll need to reserve a place on those in advance, for free, once you've booked your festival ticket. 

Walk-up events
The majority of events are walk-up. Simply show your festival pass to gain entry.
 

If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer make the event, please let us know by contacting our box office team on [email protected] or 020 7870 2500 (Mon to Fri between 12pm and 5.30pm). 
 

If you require additional support on the day of the event please book an Access Ticket and we will be in touch to ensure you are supported to attend all ‘drop-in’ events by reserving spaces for you.

Programme