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BEYOND THE MUSIC announces 3rd edition dates and new location
Beyond The Music today announces the third edition of its fast-growing global forum and festival, taking over MediaCity, Salford for 2026. Across three days, the event 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.
A co-operative positioned at the intersection of culture, content and innovation, Beyond The Music seeks to expand Manchester’s resoundingly successful year of musical development into the wider region; bringing Salford and its centenary year celebrations together with central Manchester to solidify the region’s identity as a central destination for music, creativity and content; no longer a local market but the core of a major, global shift in the digital industries.
In a year that has seen both The BRIT Awards and the MOBOs and their fringe events highlight Manchester’s importance as a creative and cultural hub, the 2026 programme will utilise the MediaCity campus, including dock10 MediaCity studios and various iconic Salford music venues; to deliver a curated mix of keynote conversations, industry showcases, networking opportunities and cross-sector partnerships – bringing together artists, executives, innovators and policymakers from across the globe.
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music said: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry. It is undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content is stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in its perceived value.
The ethical and economic foundations of the music and content industries demand urgent attention and bold reform. We have some of the most pioneering and innovative minds in the world, so when we gather – united, in one place, at one time – we have the power to venture beyond the music and help redefine the future of the creative economy. It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Alice Webb, CEO of MediaCity and dock10 said: “Beyond The Music arriving at MediaCity signals something bigger than a change of location; it’s a statement about where the future of the creative economy is being built. By bringing music into the conversation with broadcasting, digital innovation and emerging technologies, this moment puts Greater Manchester at the centre of a global shift in how content is created, owned and valued. At a time when AI is redefining the rules, it is so important to protect the authenticity of human performance, whilst unlocking new ways to innovate. Beyond The Music is creating the space, the energy and the leadership to make that happen.”
Sally Cook, Strategic Lead for Culture and Creative Industries at Salford Culture and Place Partnership said: “Salford has a rich musical heritage and a thriving network of creatives, so we’re thrilled to be welcoming Beyond the Music to the city this year. We’re excited by the chance to showcase the city’s cultural scene and the range of creative possibilities here in Salford. We’re looking forward to hosting attendees from across the region and further afield to what we’re certain will be an unmissable event.”
By day, the 2026 edition of Beyond The Music’s acclaimed conference programming will combine leading figures from across the music and content industries for a series of vital, change-making and challenging conversations dedicated to protecting and developing the right to protection and ownership of the arts. By identifying music as the glue that ties the content sectors together, the programme will ask the most influential voices to come together in order to find solutions and shape a cohesive strategic direction.
A core element of the 2026 programme is a first of its kind global All Content AI Summit hosted by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, former Culture Secretary and founding member of Beyond The Music; bringing the leading practitioners and policymakers from every content industry together to align on a shared, rights and integrity-first position for AI – identifying practical routes to licensing, provenance, attribution and enforcement in order for innovation to grow and flourish without eroding trust, livelihoods or lawful commerce.
Taking place Friday 9th October, the session is grounded in Beyond The Music’s core messaging for 2026, and Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – specifically the protection of creators’ interests: “Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy 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 – standing up for the people behind the music, making sure they are recognised, rewarded, and able to build sustainable careers. That’s what we mean by balancing growth with responsible innovation.
With its move to MediaCity and bigger than ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of 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)
By night, Beyond The Music shifts its focus onto the talent of the future; with over 100 emerging artists carefully selected to perform in front of Beyond The Music delegates and festival-goers; ensuring brand new artists receive the opportunity to perform and meet with the industry professionals capable of skyrocketing their careers.
For those at the earliest stages of their careers, Beyond The Music strives to make change within the industry by offering the opportunity for new artists and bands to submit their music to a panel of music industry experts, with a number of successful applicants offered the chance to perform at one of the festival’s anchor music venues. Submissions are open now, for more information see https://beyondthemusic.co.uk/
To celebrate the festival’s new MediaCity home, Beyond The Music will also redefine the meaning of a “grassroots venue”, utilising a variety of multi-purpose and spaces across the campus, studios and even the adjoining Quayside shopping centre; with spotlight shows to be held at some of Salford’s most beloved existing venues.
With an expanded footprint at MediaCity – home to world-leading broadcasters, studios and digital businesses – Beyond The Music’s third edition signals a step-change in ambition, scale and international reach.
Tickets for Beyond The Music 2026 are available now, including a Pay It Forward scheme which aims to maximise accessibility for those who are hoping to advance their career within the music industry, but may not be able to afford the full ticket price.