Beyond The Music Conference in the U.K. Announces New Location and Dates for 2026 Event
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Beyond The Music is set to return in 2026 at a new location, as exclusively reported by Billboard U.K.
The third edition of the music conference and festival will take place at Salford’s MediaCity from October 7 to 9. The event aims to convene influential figures from the realms of music, culture, technology, and politics.
This announcement comes as Greater Manchester enjoys a successful year in music, having hosted both the 2026 BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards at the Co-op Live venue. Notably, the BRIT Awards marked the first time the event was held outside of London and will also serve as the venue for the 50th anniversary edition in 2027.
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Beyond The Music will utilize various facilities within the MediaCity campus, including dock10 Media City studios and several notable music venues in Salford. The programming will encompass keynotes, industry showcases, networking opportunities, and initiatives for cross-sector partnerships.
The event aligns with Salford’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since the Royal Charter that established the city’s status, which is part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan area.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, will host the All Content AI Summit, aiming to unite “leading practitioners and policymakers from every content industry to align on a shared, rights and integrity-first position for AI.” Scheduled for October 9, the summit follows the U.K. government’s shift away from an ‘opt-out’ licensing approach for AI firms, a development welcomed by many in the U.K. music industry.
Beyond The Music will feature a range of versatile spaces across the MediaCity campus, including studios and the adjacent Quayside shopping center, with several events planned at existing venues in Salford. The MediaCity area is home to major broadcasters and media organizations such as the BBC and ITV Studios.
Tickets for the event are currently available, including the introduction of a Pay It Forward scheme designed to enhance accessibility for individuals eager to advance their careers in the music industry.
In response to the announcement, Burnham noted, “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.”
He further emphasized, “Greater Manchester has always been willing to take a stand on the issues that matter — standing up for the people behind the music, making sure they are recognized, rewarded, and able to build sustainable careers. That’s what we mean by balancing growth with responsible innovation. With its move to MediaCity and a more extensive program than ever, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the center of the creative economy.”
Additional lineup announcements are expected in the coming months.
