There’s a music event with a difference happening this weekend in Birmingham.
Afterwave is created for teenagers and performed by young people.
It is run by 17-year-old musician and creative producer DJ Millie Millburn who wanted to create a music event that teenagers could genuinely call their own.
Rather than simply giving young people somewhere to attend live music, Afterwave gives them the opportunity to perform, DJ, organise and become part of Birmingham’s growing music scene.
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Following five sell-out events at CENTRALA in Digbeth, it is now taking place at the MAC Birmingham in Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston on Sunday September 13, 2026.
Afterwave is a teenage music event taking place at MAC(Image: Kat Whitcombe)
For Millie, the event is about creating opportunities as much as it is about putting on a show.
“I have played gigs from a young age and I felt like there weren’t enough nights available for my age group, so I wanted to create my own,” said Millie, who studies at BOA (Birmingham Ormiston Academy).
“After playing at Kazfest last year, I decided I wanted to try and put on my own event targeted at teenagers, so I asked Centrala if they could host it and we had our first sell-out Afterwave in December.
“Since then we have done another four, and every one brings a different and unique crowd, and it’s great to see music bringing people together.
“Afterwave is about creating something that teenagers actually want to be part of.
“We’ve got young people performing, DJing, helping create the event and coming along to enjoy it.
“I wanted to give young artists a proper platform and create a night where everyone can just come and enjoy the music.”
Afterwave at the MAC will bring together emerging bands, musicians and DJs for a full day of live music, with genres ranging from indie and rock to folk, house, UK garage, techno and more.
The move to MAC marks a major milestone for the event, increasing its capacity to 300-400 and bringing Afterwave to a new outdoor setting.
How to book tickets to Afterwave at the MAC
The September event will feature five live acts and four DJs, creating a varied line-up designed to reflect the range of music being made and enjoyed by young people across Birmingham.
Find out more and book tickets via the MAC website
Designed specifically around the interests and creativity of 15–19-year-olds, Afterwave is built around the idea that there does not need to be just one genre or one type of audience.
It features everything from indie and alternative rock through to house, garage, techno and bass-driven sounds.
The line-up for Afterwave at the MAC
The September 13 line-up includes:
Tail End Charlie
Geniva
Millie Jayne
Step Out
Julia
DJ Mil
Carnis
DJ Lucas
Zakmassive
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