Over 300 children and young people from across Merseyside took to the stage this week at the Epstein Theatre for Liverpool’s eleventh annual NOW Festival.
Over three evenings, audiences were treated to powerful performances centred around the theme of Mental Health and the Environment.
Damian Hart, Principal Development Manager at Merseyside Youth Association (MYA), said: “NOW Fest 2026 explored how the environments children and young people grow up in — socially, economically and physically — have a profound impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Through a series of bold, youth-led performances from schools and organisations, the festival explored the local factors that both damage and protect our mental health.
“The pieces highlighted how inequality can shape experiences for different groups, increasing the need for mental health support, while also amplifying what children and young people themselves feel about their communities and the issues that matter most to them.”
Marking Children’s Mental Health Week, the annual festival is organised and directed by Merseyside Youth Association’s (MYA) RAISE mental health promotion team in partnership with Liverpool’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Support Partnership, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), Liverpool Place, and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP)
Jayne Cook, Advanced Public Health Practitioner (Mental Health) from Liverpool City Council, said: “NOW Fest is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and resilience of young people across our city. Each year, it offers them a safe and supportive space to share their voices and speak openly about the issues that matter most to them. This year’s focus on the environment reflects a key priority for us as a council – recognising how the places where young people live, learn and play shape their health, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
“I’m incredibly proud to support NOW Fest once again and to have had the opportunity to attend. It highlights the energy, talent, and hope that young people bring to Liverpool, and the vital role they play in shaping a brighter and fairer future for our city.”
Lisa Nolan, Senior Programme Manager (Mental Health), Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Liverpool Place, said: “The NOW Festival has grown from strength to strength since it was first launched in 2016, and I am continually overwhelmed and inspired by the confidence and creativity of our local children and young people. It’s a pleasure to support continually and commission such an excellent programme and organisation.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Year after year, NOW Fest gives young people across Merseyside an inspiring platform to speak openly about their mental health and the issues that matter most to them. This year’s focus on the environment adds a powerful new dimension, recognising how the world around us; our green spaces, our climate, our communities, has a profound impact on our wellbeing.
“We know that when young people face adversity, it can affect how they grow, learn and feel. That’s why we’re continuing our work to build resilience, create safe, supportive spaces, and ensure every young person can thrive.
“I’m incredibly proud to support NOW Fest once again. It’s a celebration of creativity, courage and hope.”
Merseyside VRP Director Georgie Garvey said: “I’m delighted that the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership is once again supporting NOW Fest. Our mission is to work together to prevent and reduce violence across Merseyside, and central to that is tackling the underlying causes of harm while giving young people every opportunity to thrive in safe, healthy and hopeful communities.
“As ever, NOW Fest provides a powerful platform for young people to express themselves, share their stories and inspire change. Their voices help to drive our work in building safer, healthier futures for all.”
Photo credit: Dave Brownlee Photography
