Join us as we look to the future of classical music with the Grand Final of BBC Young Musician 2024, as three exceptional young instrumentalists compete for the coveted title.
The long-running and much-loved biennial competition has been celebrating up-and-coming musical talents from across the UK for five decades, launching the careers of international stars such as cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, saxophonist Jess Gillam, pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, and violinist Nicola Benedetti. BBC Young Musician 2022 was won by 19-year-old Milton-born percussionist Jordan Ashman, who has gone on to perform all over the UK in recital and as a soloist, with ensembles such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Band of Royal Marines, and the City Of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.
Launched in November 2023 with a brand new format, this year’s edition of BBC Young Musician has seen over 300 submissions from promising young classical performers from every corner of the UK. 50 musicians from eight geographical areas across the country made it through to the live auditions in April at BBC Central Square in Cardiff. Out of these, only 12 proceeded to the quarter finals, and six to the semi-final, with these stages of the contest recorded in July at The Great Hall, Swansea University (Bay Campus).
On Tue 24 Sep at Bristol Beacon, three finalists will compete for the title, as they each perform a full concerto with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Gernon. At the end of the evening one will be named BBC Young Musician 2024.
Judging this year’s competition are: trumpeter Alison Balsom, pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench, and multi-instrumentalist and broadcaster Hannah Catherine Jones. The Final will be presented by trailblazing saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam.
BBC broadcast schedule
Five programmes – introduced by Jess Gillam – will be on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer every Sunday from 15 September, taking audiences through the various stages of the competition, culminating in highlights from the grand final on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 20 October, and the event in full on BBC Four on the same date.
BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds will feature highlights of the quarter and semi-final on Classical Live from Monday 30 September, with the grand final broadcast in full on Sunday 20 October.
Presented by BBC
Format: Reserved seating
Age: All ages (Under 16s accompanied by an adult)
Preshow foyer performances: 18.00 – 18.45
Doors: 18.30
Start: 19.00
Interval 1: 20:35
Restart: 20:55
Interval 2: 21:40
Restart: 22:00
Finish: 22.30
Please note there will be preshow performances by young musicians from our musical ensembles, at 6pm in Bridgehouse.
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Ticket prices
There are four price bands for this event: Bands A – D.
Within price bands B – D, there are two types of ticket: Standard and Open Concession.
If you are able, please buy a Standard ticket if you are booking in price bands B – D.
Open Concession tickets are designed to allow everyone access to amazing music and are available in price bands B – D for this event. If you cannot pay the standard ticket price at this time, or there is another reason which means you normally benefit from a concessionary price, this ticket type is for you. You do not need to explain or prove why you need to access a lower price, but it is there if you need it.
Please note that there is no open concession ticket price on Band A tickets.
Prices incl. booking fee
Band A
Standard: £43.60
Open Concession: n/a
Band B
Standard: £32.70
Open Concession: £27.25
Band C
Standard: £21.80
Open Concession: £16.35
Band D
Standard: £10.90
Open Concession: £5.45
Pre-performance showcase
We are delighted to host a free pre-performance showcase before the event from 6pm – 6.45pm.
This will comprise a range of stunning performances by Bristol Beacon’s very own young musicians from across our Creative Learning and Engagement programmes. Don’t miss Bristol NOYO Ensemble, the Senior Percussion Ensemble, a solo harpist and a contemporary singer-songwriter duet.
Performances will take place throughout Bridgehouse, in the Lower Ground Stage, Stalls Bar and Simon’s Bar.
The showcase will be compered by Flo Taylor (tutor on our Hope Creative and FLOW programmes)
Taking part in BBC Young Musician 2022 was an incredible experience. Performing alongside such amazing musicians… was something that I will never forget.”
Jordan Ashman, Percussionist
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
View 14 images
View Beacon Hall
View 14 images
Seating plans
Seating plans
Beacon Hall has three levels that can be used in a seated or standing format. View seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas.
Venue information
Venue information
Take a closer look at our beautifully restored venue, see what’s on and view detailed information about the performance space.
The venue
Beacon Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Beacon Hall is located within Bristol Beacon. Head to Level 1 and follow signs to find the auditorium.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 200m away, directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
Most bus services stop in and around the city centre promenade, 250m from Bristol Beacon.
Access
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users are in:
- row S in the centre of the rear Stalls (10 spaces)
- row Z in the left and right wings at the back of Lower Tier (4 spaces, 2 on each side),
- rows G/H on the left only at the back of Upper Tier (2 spaces)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in row F are most suitable. If you prefer, you can leave your animal with a member of staff during the performance.
Hearing Facility
A Sennheiser MobileConnect assistive listening system is installed in the venue. Download the free App and use your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the performance. (Devices are available on request.)
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
You may also like
Event Ticket Coverage
Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances with Booking Protect and get a full refund if you’re unable to attend.