The Ten Percent Foundation donated £1,000 to Pie Factory Music in 2026, following a nomination from Tamsyn Eida, Research Associate at the University of Kent’s Centre for Health Services Studies.
A recording studio, a youth club, a place to talk and somewhere to belong. Pie Factory Music brings all four together for young people in East Kent. Based at Ramsgate Youth Centre, the charity supports almost 1,000 young people aged eight to 25 each year through music, creative arts, youth work and counselling.
Free opportunities and practical support
All sessions and programmes are free. The aim is straightforward: give young people opportunities to develop their skills, grow in confidence and build friendships, regardless of their circumstances. Particular attention goes to those facing difficult situations, including young people in care, those with disabilities and those experiencing emotional or social difficulties.
Young people can attend youth clubs, rehearse in the Band Room, use the recording studio or take part in creative projects. Counselling offers support when life becomes difficult. The Open Arms project welcomes young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Together, these services provide space to try something new, meet others and ask for help.
Helping young musicians progress
For those considering a music career, Pie’s Emerging Artists programme offers a more structured route. Now in its seventh year, the 2026 programme helps aspiring musicians aged 18–25 understand recording, live performance, promotion, rights and management. Participants work with professionals and connect with local venues and other musicians. By March this year, the programme had already helped 35 young artists develop their skills and understanding of the industry.
A youth centre saved and a national award
This has also been a landmark year for the charity’s home. In February, Pie secured ownership of Ramsgate Youth Centre after a 16-month campaign to prevent its sale at auction. Young people helped drive the campaign, raising money, lobbying politicians and explaining why the centre mattered. Funding through Ramsgate’s Pride in Place programme helped secure the purchase, protecting the district’s last dedicated youth centre for future generations.
That effort earned national recognition in June, when the young campaigners won the Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s National Young Campaigner Award. Miles, Molly, Jacob and Luke attended the London ceremony on behalf of the campaign. Their achievement showed how young people can influence decisions affecting their lives when they have support and a chance to speak.
New music from Thanet’s young artists
In August, Pie announced Chasing Stars, a three-track compilation featuring Thanet musicians aged 15–18, released through its youth record label, Wantsum Music? Recorded at the Ramsgate studio, the songs explore independence, family and life by the coast. One track features production by a former Emerging Artists participant, bringing earlier experience back into the next generation’s work.
Our thanks to Tamsyn for bringing Pie Factory Music to our attention. We are pleased to support its work.
Find out more, listen to the music or donate at piefactorymusic.com.
