Arts & Culture
Connect & Create at Retford Library: April - July 2026
It’s never too late to try something new and share ideas in a friendly, supportive group!
Welcome to Next Up 2026! Find out more about the event and our artists below.
Thank you for supporting the biggest Inspire Youth Arts music showcase of the year.
All artists and bands work with our professional artists in sessions at The Old Library, Mansfield, and in school settings across Nottinghamshire. You can find out more about our programme and opportunities by visiting the Inspire Youth Arts webpage.
The event is hosted by Jackie P.
Workshops include Motormouf x Beatfeet delivering a beatboxing and djembe drumming workshop at 2pm, and an Inspire Music instruments pop-up at 3:30pm.
Music producer Trekkah will be circulating the crowd throughout the day, sampling sounds to create a new track and Artist Rikki Marr will be capturing the event through illustration.
With thanks to Nottinghamshire Music Hub for supporting this event.
Something or Other are a progressive rock and metal-synth fusion band made up of Marshall, Talin, Michael and Leo. Blending heavy guitar-driven energy with atmospheric synth textures and progressive structures, they create a dynamic and immersive live sound that pushes genre boundaries. They have performed at The Old Library in Mansfield, Four Seasons Shopping Centre in Mansfield, and Das Kino in Nottingham as part of Hockley Hustle.
The Streaks are a rising metal band bringing raw energy and enthusiasm to every performance. Made up of Reuben, Archie and Saffiyah, they are quickly building a name for themselves through their powerful live shows and developing sound. They have previously performed at Takeover Festival and the Ashfield Spring Concert, and are excited to bring their energy to Next Up.
Will is an acoustic singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in rock, folk and pop influences. Blending melodic songwriting with stripped-back acoustic arrangements, his performances are heartfelt and engaging. He is excited to perform at Binks Yard and has previously appeared at Mansfield Town Football Club, the 4UT Awards, Jam Café, and the Inspired Christmas Concert at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham.
The Revivals are a rock/indie/pop band formed of Lucas (bass), Mia (rhythm guitar), Jake (lead guitar), Jago (drums) and Will (lead vocals). Drawing on a wide range of influences, they deliver energetic, guitar-driven performances shaped by strong group chemistry. They have previously performed at Rock School gigs at The Old Library in Mansfield and at open mic nights at Westfield Folkhouse, and are excited (if a little nervous) to take to the Next Up stage.
Bittersweet Something are an indie rock duo consisting of Ophelia and Jess. Combining emotive songwriting with punchy alternative rock influences, their sound is inspired by artists such as Pierce the Veil, Paramore, James Marriott and Arctic Monkeys. They have previously performed at Jam Café and in school-based performances, continuing to develop a distinct and evolving musical identity.
Niicole is an R&B artist whose sound blends smooth, atmospheric vocals with contemporary and alternative influences. Inspired by artists such as Billie Eilish, Ravyn Lenae and The Smiths, she creates music that is both emotionally expressive and stylistically unique. She has performed at a number of Inspire Youth Arts gigs and Open Mic events, steadily developing her live presence.
Summer is a singer-songwriter creating fantasy-inspired pop music influenced by storytelling across film and literature. Her songwriting explores imaginative themes and vivid imagery, paired with catchy, melodic pop sensibilities. She has previously performed at Jam Café, Staff of Life and The Bird in Hand, and is excited (and a little nervous) to perform at Binks Yard. 
Hayden is an acoustic singer-songwriter influenced by artists such as James Arthur, Ed Sheeran and Sam Barber. His music combines heartfelt lyricism with strong acoustic melodies, delivered through confident and engaging live performances. He has performed at venues across the UK including The Garage in London, Real Time Live in Chesterfield and The Bentinck in Kirkby in Ashfield, and is excited to perform at Next Up.
Seth Schofield is a leftfield folk artist whose sound blends intricate songwriting with atmospheric acoustic textures. Drawing inspiration from life experiences and artists such as Ben Howard, John Martyn and Nick Harper, his music combines thoughtful lyricism with expressive, modern folk influences. Seth is an experienced live performer, having played at the NEC Birmingham (BP Pulse Emerging Young Artists Stage), First Up at Jam Café in Nottingham, the Nottinghamshire County Show, The Harbour View in St Ives, and various open mic nights and busking performances across his travels. He continues to build a distinctive sound shaped by both storytelling and live experience.
DRING is a Nottingham-based singer-songwriter whose honest, story-led songwriting blends folk warmth with indie-pop sensibilities. Earning support from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2, she has quickly established herself as one of the East Midlands' most exciting emerging artists. Signed to Lionbear Records, DRING continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt lyricism and compelling live performances.
Frankie is a singer-songwriter with a strong stage presence and a growing reputation for emotive, powerful performances. Alongside performing as the lead singer of her band est., she draws influence from artists such as Florence and the Machine and contemporary pop music, blending emotional depth with bold, expressive vocals. Frankie is an emerging artist with clear ambition and a developing artistic identity.
Glitch are a five-piece pop band from Radcliffe on Trent, known for creating upbeat, catchy songs with strong hooks and infectious melodies. Their music is designed to stay with listeners long after the performance, delivering high-energy sets full of personality and fun.
