The YAY UK
competition is open!

Young Animator of the Year UK is back! W're opening the doors to the UK’s most exciting emerging animation talent. This nationwide programme invites creatives aged 11-22 to showcase their skills in stop-motion, 2D or 3D animation, with winning films premiering this November at a special awards ceremony at the Manchester Animation Festival, the UK’s largest animation event.


YAY UK is an ACCESS:VFX initiative and sponsored by HUE, who provide colorful stop-motion animation technology designed to make learning creative and interactive.

▸ Deadline countdown
1 September 2026
YAY Enter now 2026 season Aged 11–22 100% free YAY Enter now 2026 season Aged 11–22 100% free YAY Enter now 2026 season Aged 11–22 100% free YAY Enter now 2026 season Aged 11–22 100% free
3D Animation Stop-Motion 2D Animation 3D Animation Stop-Motion 2D Animation 3D Animation Stop-Motion 2D Animation 3D Animation Stop-Motion 2D Animation
How to enter

Four steps from idea to festival.

Step 01
Make your film

Under four minutes long in any animation style. Team or solo. No copyrighted music without permission!

Step 02
Upload via our form

Video file + a few details. Takes about 5 minutes.

Step 03
Judged by animation experts

Over 40 professional animators review the films.

Step 04
Screening + prizes

Winning films shown at Manchester Animation Festival in November.

Big love to our
partners and supporters!

Manchester Animation Festival
ACCESS:VFX
Blue Zoo
Hue
Aardman
Animade

...and over 40 expert industry judges!

Hall of fame

Watch the
winners

Full gallery
Morgan Vincent
▶
2025 · 3D Animation, Age 15-18
Morgan Vincent, 18
Crediton
Timothy K.
▶
2025 · 3D Animation, Age 11-14
Timothy K., 14
York
Billy P.
▶
2025 · 2D Animation, Age 15-18
Billy P., 17
WOLVERHAMPTON
Sophie W.
▶
2025 · Stop-Motion, Age 11-14
Sophie W., 12
Sheffield
Ezra M.
▶
2025 · 3D Animation, Age 15-18
Ezra M., 16
Harrow
Nishaan Bahra
▶
2025 · 3D Animation, Age 19-22
Nishaan Bahra, 20
London
Eliana W.
▶
2025 · Stop-Motion, Age 15-18
Eliana W., 17
Ipswich, Suffolk
Ben Mullan
▶
2025 · Stop-Motion, Age 19-22
Ben Mullan, 20
Bedford
Vincent Tyson-Dieroff
▶
2025 · 2D Animation, Age 19-22
Vincent Tyson-Dieroff, 21
Bristol
Stay in the loop

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One short email a season. Deadline reminders, mini-challenges, and the occasional behind-the-scenes from the studios.

Call for
entries!

You've got until 1st September 2026. Free to enter, open to anyone 11–22 living in the UK. Get creative, get creating - we want to see your animated stories!

Start my entry →