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Melanie C and DCMS Minister Ian Murray announced as Keynotes for The Great Escape Conference
The Great Escape has today announced Melanie C and Ian Murray MP, Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as the first two keynote speakers for its industry-leading conference, set to take place in Brighton from 13th–16th May 2026. With three days of insight, debate and networking, the conference will once again set the new music agenda at the heart of the European music sector.
Celebrating the release of her new album Sweat, Melanie C will sit down with British DJ and presenter Jaguar for a special keynote conversation presented in association with The Great Escape’s Charity Partner, CALM. This landmark session marks 20 years of The Great Escape and 30 years since the arrival of the Spice Girls’ – a cultural force that reshaped British pop and ushered in a new era of global girl power.
As a member of the Spice Girls, Melanie C helped define a generation. As a solo artist, she is the female artist with the most UK No.1 singles in chart history and the only female performer to top the charts solo as part of a duo, quartet and quintet. Across a career spanning three decades, from stadium tours to global DJ sets, Melanie C continues to shape conversations around creativity, identity and longevity in music.
Melanie C said: “I’m really looking forward to joining The Great Escape this year and taking the time to reflect on my journey in the music industry. From the early days with the Spice Girls to building a solo career and stepping behind the decks as a DJ, I’ve experienced so many different sides of this business. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and how the industry has continued to evolve.”
Ian Murray MP joins the conference for a special keynote session as The Great Escape celebrates its twentieth anniversary. As Minister of State at DCMS, Murray plays a key role in shaping government policy across the UK’s creative industries, including music, touring, broadcasting and the night-time economy.
Ian Murray MP said: “The Great Escape is a vital event in the live music calendar, and celebrating its 20th anniversary will be a significant occasion. I’m delighted to be attending, and speaking to delegates at the conference in May.”
Also newly announced is Molly Neuman, President of CD Baby in conversation with presenter of The Money Trench music industry podcast Mark Sutherland. In a landscape where independence can mean everything from self-releasing to running a global business, Neuman will explore how artists can thrive creatively, financially and culturally, and what sustainable, future-proof careers look like in today’s industry.
The Council of Music Makers (CMM) will present “AI, Streaming, Media + Touring: The Music-Maker Perspective On Key Industry Trends”, bringing together Annabella Coldrick (MMF), Naomi Pohl (Musicians’ Union), David Martin (FAC), Roberto Neri (Ivors Academy) and Cameron Craig (MPG). The session will tackle some of the most urgent debates in the business – from AI music companies and streaming economics to touring pressures and ticketing reform – giving attendees the latest insights on the industry trends that matter most for music makers.
New collaborators War Child and Rough Trade join the event this year, using their networks to help shape and elevate the programme. War Child will present a special panel exploring the story and ambitions behind the much-anticipated HELP (2) record, while Rough Trade will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a conversation examining the evolution and cultural impact of the iconic independent retailer.
They join an outstanding group of collaborators from across the industry: BPI, PPL, EarthPercent, CALM, IQ Magazine, Music Venues Alliance Brighton (MVAB) and AudioActive, alongside returning collaborators Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Introducing, Council of Music Makers (CMM), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Youth Music.
Newly confirmed trade partners include AWAL, FUGA, Downtown, NOMEX, Ticketmaster New Music, Vevo, Virgin Music Group (VMG), M For Montreal, Centre National de la Musique (CNM), and Creative Scotland, all of whom will host a variety of activities during TGE, including live music showcases, networking brunches, cocktail parties, and more.
With even more names and sessions still to be revealed, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years yet for the UK’s leading music conference.
Delegate passes are available now. Secure yours and join the conversation here: greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes
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