In 2026, New Gen is working with some of West London’s biggest names in music to bring a mash-up of guest artists and next-generation talent to the Main Stage alongside cyphers and dance performances. Our Amplify Stage will feature a series of takeovers by different producers with plenty of opportunities to take part in music and spoken word open mics and jams.
Around the site you’ll find the MIND on Music workshop, the DIAXPORA.fm radio tent, sports activations, and more activities from our partners.
We also have a year-round programme with open mics, pop-ups and creative careers workshops. Follow us on Instagram @NewGen_Fest for the latest.
West London’s finest are taking over. Emerging headliners, heat-seeking artists, fire cyphers, boundary-pushing DJs, viral TikTokers, and live competitions plus the legendary New Gen Allstars. One stage. Four hours. Zero chill.
29th July 2026 | 5.30PM – 9PM
More acts to follow!
Notting Hill Academy of Music is bringing NHAM Cypher to New Gen with high-energy freestyles led by DJs, rappers, singers from NHAM Class of ’26. Expect an open-format cypher packed with live bars, melodies and spoken word over hip hop,Afrobeats, drill, garage, house, R&B and more.
Host names dropping soon!
This is the space where bold expression lives. No filters, no limits, just raw, unapologetic creativity in every form. Spoken word, rap, dance, music…if you’ve got something to say, we want to hear it.
The Amplify Stage welcomes everyone — across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, across race, disability, neurodivergent and faith backgrounds. Every voice belongs here.
And if your heart is racing? Good. That means it matters.
29th July 2026 | 3PM – 8PM
NHAM — Folk and indie acoustic sounds to move your soul
The Metaphorest — Spoken word that hits different
Asian Music Publishing x DIAXPORA.fm — Music from the Global South, representing sounds and stories from across the world
Bollo Studios / JE Delve — Hosted by Blackstar & C2, bringing raw energy and community talent
MIND on Music — An uplifting workshop exploring the powerful connection between music and mental wellbeing
Ealing Music Service — Featuring entrants from the Alice Gross Songwriting Contest
Open Mic Sessions — Because everyone deserves a moment. Step up, speak out, perform.
If you’d like to perform on the Amplify Stage, please fill in this artist expression-of-interest form.
Battle of the Boroughs — Who’s Got the Best Moves in West London?
Think you’ve got what it takes? It’s time to prove it!
We’re bringing together the boldest, freshest dancers aged 7–16 for the ultimate showdown in breaking, the first dance of hip hop. The format is 2v2 and you can either come with a partner or we will pair you up with another dancer. Open to all levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you’ve got moves, this is YOUR moment.
Qualifying Rounds & Quarter Finals — 2PM–4PM
Semi Finals & Grand Final — 4PM–4:30PM
How to Enter: tickets for contestants in Battle of the Boroughs are available from New Gen’s ticketing site. Select a Battle of the Boroughs ticket (£5). This gets you competition entry + full festival access. One ticket, one dancer, one shot at glory.
About Battle of the Boroughs: Battle of the Boroughs is an event tailer made for young people between the ages of 7 and 16 who are taking classes in HipHop Dance, especially ‘Breakdancing ‘ or ‘Breaking’ as we call it nowadays. BOTB came off the back of the classes GROUNDED has been teaching for over 15 years to kids using Breaking as the prominent style. We wanted to introduce them to a form of a Jam that is usually put on for adults in places inaccessible to under-18s like night clubs and bars. We did our first BOTB in March 2023 and have done 3 events a year ever since in different locations across London.
A space to shine the spotlight on artists, stall holders, and creators for DIAXPORA’s New Gen podcast.
Music is more than sound, it’s healing. Join the MIND on Music workshop at New Gen 2026 for an interactive session exploring the powerful connection between music and mental wellbeing. Whether you’re a creator, a listener, or just curious – this is a space to express, reflect, and feel good. From 2 to 6pm.
Football
Get ready for a football experience at New Gen 2026. skills challenges, drills and good vibes for all ages. More details coming soon!