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Manchester’s Beyond The Music Announces First Speaker Lineup for 2026 Event
Manchester's Beyond The Music conference has revealed the first speakers confirmed for its 2026 event, due to take place at the MediaCity UK complex in Salford from 7 to 9 October. The announcement matters because the conference, now in its fourth year, has become a significant fixture in the UK music industry calendar, drawing executives and artists from across the sector for panels, keynotes and workshops.
Among the names confirmed are Stacey Tang, co-president of RCA Records UK, who led the committee behind moving the 2026 BRIT Awards outside London for the first time, to Manchester's Co-op Live. Also appearing are Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, who succeeded Andy Burnham after he became UK prime minister in July; Yungblud's manager Tommas Arnby; BPI chief executive Dr Jo Twist; Ivors Academy chair Tom Gray; Kneecap manager Dan Lambert; and artists including Nina Nesbitt. The event will also host an All Content AI summit convened by Burnham, who helped establish the conference during his time as mayor, with founding partners including the BPI, Factory International, Co-op Live and Manchester City Council.
In short
- Beyond The Music 2026 speaker lineup announced for 7–9 October in Salford
- RCA UK's Stacey Tang and Mayor Bev Craig among confirmed speakers
- Event includes an AI summit convened by ex-mayor, now PM, Andy Burnham
Explained simply
Beyond The Music is a conference where people from across the music business meet for discussions, talks and workshops. It is held in Greater Manchester and is now a regular event in the UK music industry calendar.
The conference brings together artists, managers, record company executives and organisations that represent the music industry. Its speakers include Stacey Tang of RCA Records UK, BPI chief executive Jo Twist and Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig.
The event also covers issues affecting how music is made and supported, including the use of artificial intelligence. Its organisers and partners include the BPI, Factory International, Co-op Live and Manchester City Council.