Beyond The Music expands to Salford’s MediaCity for 2026 edition

Scheduled for 9-11 October 2026, the event brings together delegates from music, media, technology and policy sectors. The move to the MediaCity campus – home to dock10 studios and a cluster of broadcasters and digital businesses – positions the event as a bridge between music and the wider content economy with organisers are framing the decision as a consolidation of Manchester’s recent cultural momentum, following a year that saw both the BRIT Awards and MOBOs take place in the region.

Central to the programme is a dedicated All Content AI Summit, hosted by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Running on 9 October, the session aims to bring together practitioners and policymakers from across content industries to establish a “rights and integrity-first position” on artificial intelligence. Burnham, the former culture secretary and a founding member of Beyond The Music, says the summit will address how to protect creators’ interests while allowing innovation to develop. “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,” he explains. “That’s what we mean by balancing growth with responsible innovation.”

Beyond The Music co-founder Sarah Pearson adds: “The ethical and economic foundations of the music and content industries demand urgent attention and bold reform. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”

Daytime programming will feature keynote conversations and panels focused on ownership, protection and strategic alignment across music, broadcasting, gaming and emerging tech. Evening programming will include more than 100 emerging artists set to play across Salford venues and non-traditional spaces including parts of the Quayside shopping centre. Organisers have also highlighted a “Pay It Forward” ticketing scheme intended to improve access for those unable to afford full-price passes.