On Friday 27th February we marked the start of our 35-year anniversary and proudly announced our inaugural Tomorrow’s Warriors Patrons. Hosted at Foyles on Charing Cross Road, the anniversary gathering not only marked the unveiling of our 12 Patrons but also a new partnership with the iconic London bookseller.
The Patron appointments reflect Tomorrow’s Warriors’ long‑standing commitment to equity, justice, cultural transformation, and business innovation. The newly appointed Patrons include Baroness Amos LG CH PC, Labour peer, diplomat and former UN Under‑Secretary‑General; Margaret Busby CBE, publisher, editor, writer, broadcaster and former Tomorrow’s Warriors Trustee, who steps down after nearly a decade of service to become Patron; acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby; musician and producer Guy Chambers; and journalist, author and broadcaster Robert Elms. They are joined by charity NED, global events specialist and philanthropist Lizzie Ridding and her husband, Chair of the Financial Times, John Ridding, alongside prominent business figures Michael Watt ONZM (Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club) and Richard Wyatt (Loudwater Partners/Rothschild & Co).
Alumni artists Femi Koleoso, ESKA and Moses Boyd also become Patrons, symbolising three and a half decades of support for more than 20,000 young musicians.
Our 35th anniversary year underscores the growing urgency of Tomorrow’s Warriors’ work at a time when youth provision is contracting, the cost of access to music has risen sharply and pathways for young artists are increasingly fragile. Against this challenging backdrop, the Warriors’ model of free, transformative, community‑rooted support remains as vital as ever.
“Equity of opportunity takes real work, and it can’t be done alone. We thank our incredible new Patrons and partner Foyles, as they join us in our 35th anniversary year. They share our belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Collectively, we send a powerful message to the young people we serve: your future matters, and we’re committing to it together.” Tomorrow’s Warriors founders Janine Irons OBE (CEO) & Dr Gary Crosby OBE (Artistic Director)
Our relationship with Foyles stretches back over 20-years and with both organisations passionate about continuing to forge fair access, opportunity, and profile for underrepresented young people and those facing economic barriers to participation in the arts, the new partnership builds on our ongoing Tomorrow’s Warriors +1 monthly concert series.
The patrons announcement was followed by a performance from the TW Youth Ensemble joined by Gary Crosby which culminated in a jam session featuring ESKA and Moses Boyd.
“Tomorrow’s Warriors was a community and space that helped me grow in more than just music. It was a place where you turn up and get to be yourself.
Becoming a Patron is all about being able to give the next generation more space and opportunities to express themselves creatively.”
FEMI KOLEOSO Tomorrow’s Warriors alum, band leader of EZRA Collective, drummer, producer and broadcaster
“I am honoured to be one of the Founding Patrons of Tomorrow’s Warriors, an organisation committed to developing young people and nurturing their talent.
Tomorrow’s Warriors has played a pivotal role in helping to shape the cultural life of Britain.”
BARONESS AMOS LG CH PC Master, University College Oxford
“Tomorrow’s Warriors are our collective hope for the future.
They represent the very best musicianship, culture,
community, but most importantly humanity.
I consider it a great honour to call myself a patron.”
ROBERT ELMS Broadcaster and writer