News : Beyond The Music Festival Confirms 2026 Comeback In Manchester

Manchester’s Beyond The Music festival and conference has officially confirmed its return this autumn, with the announcement made today, March 30.

The gathering is scheduled to run from October 7 to 9 and will take place at a new venue this year. The event is moving to MediaCity in Salford, home to the northern headquarters of major broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV. Tickets for the event are available here.

As in previous years, the programme will focus on major topics affecting the music business through keynote talks, showcase performances and opportunities for professional networking, “bringing together artists, executives, innovators and policymakers from across the globe.”

According to organisers, the third edition of the conference will “convene leading voices from music, media, technology and the wider creative industries for a programme designed to connect ideas, unlock collaboration and accelerate sector growth.” The schedule will feature discussions between industry figures about the biggest topics shaping music today, alongside a series of grassroots performances across Salford during the three day programme.

Another statement explained: “Beyond The Music seeks to expand Manchester’s resoundingly successful year of musical development into the wider region. By connecting Salford and its centenary celebrations with central Manchester, the goal is to strengthen the area’s reputation as a leading destination for music, creativity and content. The region is no longer simply a local market but a driving force in a major global evolution within the digital industries.”

One major part of the 2026 programme will be what organisers call a “first of its kind global All Content AI Summit.” The event will be hosted by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is also one of the founding figures behind Beyond The Music.

Burnham will bring together leading experts and decision makers from across different content sectors to “align on a shared, rights and integrity first position for AI. This includes identifying practical routes to licensing, provenance, attribution and enforcement so innovation can continue without damaging trust, livelihoods or legitimate business,” according to organisers.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation.

“That’s why I’m proud to host the All Content AI Summit, which will provide a space to consider the ethical questions raised by new technologies and how we can protect creators’ rights.

“Greater Manchester has always been willing to take a stand on the issues that matter. It means supporting the people behind the music, making sure they are properly recognised, fairly rewarded and able to build lasting careers. That is what we mean by combining growth with responsible innovation. With its move to MediaCity and an expanded programme, Beyond The Music continues to strengthen our city region’s role within the creative economy.”

Front L-R: Sarah Pearson, Sally Cook, Andy Burnham, Rose Marley, Alice Webb and Manchester musicians celebrate the launch of Beyond The Music at MediaCity – Credit: Mark Waugh

Sarah Pearson, Co founder of Beyond The Music, said: “Beyond The Music exists to bring people together at an important time and help drive real and lasting progress within the music and content industries. The influence and importance of music and content has never been clearer, yet this is not always reflected in how it is valued.

“The ethical and financial foundations of the music and content sectors require urgent focus and meaningful change. We are fortunate to have some of the most forward thinking and creative minds in the world, and when we come together in one place at one time, we can look beyond music alone and help shape the future of the creative economy. It is our responsibility to protect creativity so it does not just survive but continues to grow. Even when things feel challenging, progress is still possible.”

Alice Webb, CEO of MediaCity and dock10 where the conference will be held, added: “Beyond The Music coming to MediaCity represents more than just a new venue. It reflects where the future of the creative industries is taking shape. Bringing music together with broadcasting, digital innovation and emerging technology places Greater Manchester at the centre of a global transformation in how content is created, owned and valued.

“At a time when AI is changing the landscape, it is essential that we protect the authenticity of human creativity while also embracing new opportunities to innovate. Beyond The Music is building the environment, momentum and leadership needed to make that possible.”

Sally Cook, Strategic Lead for Culture and Creative Industries at Salford Culture and Place Partnership, also shared her thoughts: “Salford has a deep musical history and a vibrant creative community, so we are very pleased to welcome Beyond The Music to the city this year. It gives us a chance to highlight the local cultural landscape and the creative opportunities that exist here. We are excited to welcome visitors from across the region and beyond for what promises to be a standout event.”

Earlier editions of Beyond The Music have included showcases featuring emerging artists throughout the city as well as panel discussions examining the future of the industry in response to Westminster’s ‘Deaf Ears’. In previous years, Aitch has also taken part as a keynote speaker.

The 2024 edition also featured a discussion between Lisa Nandy and Burnham focusing on the ongoing difficulties faced by grassroots music venues.

The announcement comes during a particularly active cultural period for Manchester, which hosted this year’s BRIT Awards in February and the MOBO Awards last week. BBC Radio6 Music also held its festival in the city last week.