Upgrade Yourself Festival 2025
Now in its 7th edition, Upgrade Yourself Festival is back, connecting emerging creatives ages 16 to 30 with trailblazing talent and industry experts. Join us for inspiring talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions plus music and performances! Hosted by Betty Douglas.
Archived Event
For 16 -30 year olds, supported with BSL interpretation
| Dates | Fri 13 & Sat 14 Jun 2025 |
| Times | Fri, 4–8.30pm Sat, 2–7pm |
| Space | Across New Wing |
| Price | Free |
Programme
Drop-in
Professional Headshot Photography
Drop-in
River Rooms
Drop-in
YKWU (You can Knit With Us) by Colèchi
Drop-in
River Rooms
Workshop
Drop-In Zine Making: Exploring Identity, Self-Expression and Community
Workshop
River Rooms
Drop-in
1:1 Mentoring
Drop-in
G16
Speakers:
Nelson Adeoti
Clara Chu
Leila Dear
Zulum Elumogo
Hark1karan
Georgina Lawton
Sunil Pawar
Screening
Selected 15 Film Screening
Screening
The Pits
Drop-in
CV Clinic with Represent
Drop-in
G17
Drop-in
What Makes You? - A Journey of Emotion and Career Reflection
Drop-in
River Rooms
Workshop
From Passion to Platform: Building a Music Career in the Digital Age
Workshop
G20
Talk
The Power of Storytelling
Talk
Main Stage
Talk
In Conversation: Heather Agyepong, Lisa Anderson & Tobi Kyeremateng
Talk
Main Stage
Workshop
AMC Art Club Presents: The Art of Communication – Show Up With Impact
Workshop
G20
Music
Performance from Mica Sefia
Music
Main Stage
Drop-in
What Makes You? - A Journey of Emotion and Career Reflection
Drop-in
Drop-in
YKWU (You can Knit With Us) by Colèchi
Drop-in
River Rooms
Drop-in
Professional Headshot Photography
Drop-in
Workshop
Drop-In Zine Making: Exploring Identity, Self-Expression and Community
Workshop
River Rooms
Screening
Selected 15 Film Screening
Screening
The Pits
Talk
1:1 Mentoring
Talk
G16
Speakers:
Jason Baron
Clara Chu
Leila Dear
Zulum Elumogo
Aoibheann Greenan
Georgina Lawton
Glade Marie
Drop-in
CV Clinic with Represent
Drop-in
G17
Talk
Why You Should Start Before You’re Ready
Talk
Main Stage
Workshop
Good Form x Colechi present Sisters in Sustainability in conversation: Build your sustainable brand.
Workshop
G20
Drop-in
ENSPIRE Presents: Get Started in Music with Small Green Shoots
Drop-in
Main Stage
Workshop
The Art of Independence: Creating Without Compromise with Hark1karan
Workshop
G20
Talk
Selected 15 - in-conversation with the artists
Talk
Main Stage
Performance from SULA
Main Stage
Happening All Weekend!
Soak up the vibes and make the most of your festival experience with :
- UGYS Networking Activation - Connect, collaborate, and grow your creative circle
- Live DJ Sets - Feel the energy with sets from Saffron / Mix Nights
- Free food from Wingstop and Plantain Papi, drinks provided by DASH water - Fuel up while you explore, learn, and create
Don’t miss out - it’s all happening across the entire weekend!
Access Information
Our ambition is to make this event accessible to everyone, but we know there is work to do!
Upgrade Yourself Festival will take place in G Rooms, River Rooms and Lancaster Rooms at Somerset House (New Wing). The space is on the ground floor and accessible to wheelchair users. There is an accessible toilet close by and all toilets will be gender neutral. There will also be a quiet space available
The event will be supported through BSL Interpretation on Friday 13 June and Saturday 14 June.
If you would like more information or to request specific access support, please email: engagement@somersethouse.org.uk prior to arriving.
We are constantly working towards making our events more accessible, if you have any feedback on how we can improve. Please let us know!