RED REBEL FUTURES
We are currently recruiting for our free DJ Training Programme in Thanet for Young FLINTA people aged 18-25, after winning the Youth Music and Beatport 2026 Trailblazer award.
Red Rebel Futures is a free programme teaching young FLINTA people in Thanet to DJ, with mentoring, radio training and wellbeing support built in. It opens with a drop-in taster session at Arts Ed Exchange, Margate, on Friday 23 October 2026, with weekly sessions starting from Friday 6 November.
Why do we need this in Thanet?
Electronic music remains a male-dominated industry concentrated in major cities. For young people in a coastal district like Thanet, the route in is narrow: DJ equipment is expensive, there are few local places to learn, and many creative spaces feel intimidating to anyone who doesn't already belong.
Young FLINTA people consulted by Red Rebel FM said they felt excluded from learning to DJ because of cost, confidence, identity and wellbeing. Those barriers are higher still for young people on low incomes, those who are neurodivergent and those living with poor mental health.
A different kind of DJ school
Red Rebel Futures starts with an eight-week beginner DJ course, where participants learn core skills and build their own mix. Around it sit radio training, guest mentor sessions and wellbeing support. The programme includes menstrual cycle-aware support so participants can build a creative practice that works with their bodies and energy levels.
There will also be a live showcase and a Red Rebel FM takeover, giving every participant a first public performance and a first broadcast, with the option to submit regular shows going forward.
The programme is open to anyone identifying as FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans, Agender) aged 18 to 25 living in Thanet. No experience or equipment is needed. There are 10 places.
“This funding is huge moment for Red Rebel FM and the young FLINTA people in Thanet. In coastal communities like ours, pathways for electronic music can feel out of reach - often limited by geography, cost, lack of representation and confidence barriers. Red Rebel Futures gives them the decks, the teaching and the people in their corner, for free. We're also making space for the things the industry ignores, like mental health and menstrual health.”
Lisa Higgins, Founder, Red Rebel FM and The Red Rebel Collective CIC
Programme dates
Taster session (drop-in, no booking needed)
Friday 23 October 2026, 4-6pm
Arts Ed Exchange, 59 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2RJ
Weekly sessions
Fridays from 6 November 2026, 4-6pm
Arts Ed Exchange, 59 Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2RJ
Showcase and Red Rebel FM takeover
Feb/March 2027, date to be announced
How to join
Come along to the taster session on 23 October to try the decks and meet the team.
To sign up for the full programme FILL IN THIS FORM or email redrebelfm@gmail.com.
This project is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, and Beatport.
