International Meeting of Young Beekeepers 2026
The 14th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) took place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 4th - 8th July, bringing together around 75 competitors, aged 12–18, representing 27 countries.
Behind the event was an incredible organising committee and dedicated team of volunteers, whose hard work and commitment made the meeting possible.
We were delighted to support the event by providing equipment and essential beekeeping gear to support beekeeping education initiatives for young beekeepers. As longstanding advocates of British beekeeping education, we are also proud to sponsor our own regional initiatives, supporting young beekeepers through the Leslie Thorne Award.
Supporting initiatives that encourage young people to learn about bees and develop practical beekeeping skills is an important part of helping to secure the future of the craft.
Bringing young beekeepers together
The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers is about so much more than competition. Teams of young beekeepers from around the world come together to share their knowledge, learn from one another and put their practical skills into action. The 2026 event programme included hands-on challenges, social activities and opportunities to discover the culture and heritage of Northern Ireland.
The main competition challenged participants with a series of practical beekeeping tasks, while the wider programme gave young people the opportunity to make connections with others who share their enthusiasm for beekeeping.
It certainly looks like the participants had a lot of fun! Check out this short video of the event here.
Investing in the future of beekeeping
Supporting young beekeepers is an investment in the future of our industry and in the wider environment. Bees play an essential role in ecosystems and agriculture, while beekeeping provides young people with opportunities to learn about biology, animal husbandry, sustainability and the natural world.
The organisers of IMYB describe the event as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of beekeepers and environmental changemakers. That ethos closely aligns with our belief that education and practical experience are fundamental to encouraging more young people to discover the rewards of beekeeping.
The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers also demonstrates the truly international nature of modern beekeeping. Young people from different countries may have different traditions, climates and approaches to keeping honeybees, but they share a common interest in understanding and protecting these remarkable insects.
Looking to the future
The success of IMYB 2026 is a reminder of the importance of giving young people opportunities to learn, participate and build lasting connections within the beekeeping community.
We are proud to have supported the event by providing equipment and essential beekeeping gear, helping young participants make the most of the practical and educational opportunities on offer.
We hope that the experience inspires many of the young beekeepers who attended to continue developing their skills, sharing their knowledge and encouraging others to take an interest in honeybees.
The future of beekeeping starts with the next generation, and we're proud to help them get started.
