A distinctive music event tailored for teenagers is taking place in Birmingham this weekend. Afterwave is an initiative created by young people, for young people, offering much more than a typical live music experience.
The event is organised by 17-year-old musician and creative producer DJ Millie Millburn, who envisioned a music festival that teenagers could authentically claim as their own. Afterwave not only provides a platform to watch live performances but also enables teenagers to perform, DJ, organise, and actively participate in Birmingham’s expanding music scene.
After achieving five sell-out shows at CENTRALA in Digbeth, Afterwave is moving to MAC Birmingham in Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, for its upcoming event on Sunday 13 September 2026.
READ MORE: DWP urged to establish a legal minimum for Universal Credit payments to protect claimants
Millie, who studies at Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA), emphasises that the event aims to create opportunities as much as it is about hosting a show. She explains, “I have played gigs from a young age and felt there weren’t enough nights for my age group, so I wanted to create my own.
“After performing at Kazfest last year, I decided to organise an event specifically for teenagers. I approached CENTRALA, and we held our first sell-out Afterwave in December.”
Since then, the event has grown, with each subsequent edition attracting diverse and unique audiences, bringing young people together through music. “Afterwave is about creating something that teenagers actually want to be part of. We have young people performing, DJing, helping create the event, and coming along to enjoy it,” Millie continues.
“It’s important to give young artists a proper platform and to create a welcoming night where everyone can just enjoy the music.”
The MAC event promises a full day of live music, featuring emerging bands, musicians, and DJs across a spectrum of genres including indie, rock, folk, house, UK garage, techno, and more. The move to the MAC represents a significant milestone, increasing capacity to 300–400 attendees and introducing an outdoor venue.
The diverse line-up for 13 September includes five live acts and four DJs, reflecting the broad range of music being created and enjoyed by Birmingham’s youth. Featured artists are Tail End Charlie, Geniva, Millie Jayne, Step Out, Julia, DJ Mil, Carnis, DJ Lucas, and Zakmassive.
Afterwave is specifically designed around the interests and creativity of 15 to 19-year-olds, embracing a variety of musical styles rather than focusing on a single genre or audience type.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the MAC Birmingham website.