The O2 celebrates 89th Young Voices show and grows sponsorship to eight London schools

Young Voices, the world’s largest children’s choir concerts, has just completed an eight-show run at The O2, the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure and retail destination, marking the 89^th show at the venue since it opened in 2007.

The event, which brings over 60,000 children to The O2 each year, believes that every child should be given the chance to find their love of music, and with a strong focus on accessibility, ensures that any child can attend.

In 2022, Emma Bownes, SVP of Programming at AEG Europe and a Young Voices Foundation board member envisioned giving more schools the chance to participate in the event, establishing a sponsorship fund for two schools who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend. Three years later, The O2 sponsorship fund has expanded to eight London schools, allowing even more children to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Emma Bownes, SVP of Venue Programming, AEG Europe said: “Experiencing live music is one of life’s biggest joys, and we are committed to giving even more children the chance to perform so it has been an honour to sponsor eight London schools this year. Over the course of eight days, 60,000 children visited The O2, many experiencing live music and the venue itself for the very first time. We hope this opportunity helps foster lasting memories for the next generation, creating a special bond with our venue that will last a lifetime.”

Ben Lewis, CEO of Young Voices added: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the pioneering support we have received from The O2, a venue synonymous with world-class performances and unforgettable experiences. Thanks to their generosity and commitment to the next generation of music lovers, 272 students have been given the chance to take part in the Young Voices experience via our Foundation.

“This partnership embodies everything Young Voices stands for: accessibility, inspiration, and the belief that every child should have the chance to raise their voice and be heard. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The O2 for championing young talent and helping us continue our mission to bring the joy of singing to as many children as possible.

Together, we are shaping the future of music—one young voice at a time.”

At The O2 shows, the children received a surprise guest appearance by Jacob Collier who sang his song Little Blue with the choir, in addition, the children sang an exclusive arranged medley of Bob Marley classic songs in honour of what would have been his 80th birthday.

Next year’s event will be the 30^th anniversary of Young Voices UK, a milestone that underscores the lasting impact of the organisations mission to inspire, unite, and uplift through song.

Young Voices are proud participants of The O2 21 Club key and the non-stage end of the arena was officially named, ‘The Young Voices End’ in 2022 in celebration of over half a million children attending the events.

Ends

For more information on The O2, please contact: communications.team@theo2.co.uk

For more information on Young Voices, contact: press@youngvoices.co.uk

Notes to editors:

In 2025, The O2 sponsored the following schools:

Cubitt Town Primary school | St James’ CE Junior school | Wyvil Primary School | Haberdashers’ Slade Green | Broadmead Primary Academy | Oakfield Community Primary School | Fleetdown Primary Academy | William Hogarth Primary School

Each school receives:

• 1 free registration to a YV Concert
• 1 free Teacher CPD Day for one of their staff to attend a YV Teacher Workshop
• YV T-shirts and Torches for 30 children + 3 staff
• Tickets for 30 parents to their YV concert
• Coach costs to and from the concert for their choir
• 30 free Concert Video Download codes
• Other support can also include a singing tutor to support the development of their choir and subsistence costs including packed lunches for the children on the concert day