The national arts charity Music for Youth has announced the postponement of its 50th birthday event, 'The Future is Now', in order to take preventative measures against COVID-19.

The special birthday event, which was due to take place on 23rd March at the Barbican Hall in London, will now be postponed until later in the year.

At 'The Future is Now', multi-genre collaborations were to air between brass ensembles, orchestral players, choirs and R&B, indie, rap, soul and electronic artists, all whilst championing original music and the sheer scope of diverse music-making from the UK's youth.

Heavy heart

Music for Youth's CEO Judith Webster told 4BR: "It is with a heavy heart that Music for Youth has decided, due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19), to make the difficult decision of postponing 'The Future Is Now'.

Planned to be the launch concert of our 50th anniversary year, the event was scheduled to take place on 23 March at the Barbican. However, with performers due to travel to London from across the UK for this performance, we feel responsible for minimising any risk to them and their guests.

The Music for Youth team will aim to reschedule this important event later in the year."