Un-Convention Manchester 2026 — the UK’s grassroots music industry conference
Un-Convention Manchester returns: 22–23 October 2026
Un-Convention Manchester is back at Band On The Wall on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd October 2026 — the 116th edition of the long-running grassroots music conference and showcase.
The two-day conference brings together hundreds of pioneering artists, managers, labels, promoters and festivals from over 50 towns and cities across the UK to explore the state of the independent music sector, build networks, and develop ideas for a more prosperous, diverse and equitable music industry. Alongside the daytime panels, there’s a Thursday-evening showcase gig at Night & Day Cafe featuring Cooper T, Congratulations and Voka Gentle.
This year’s speakers
• Simon Raymonde (Bella Union co-founder) on the record label panel, alongside reps from Dirty Hit and Because Music UK
• Matt Johnson (Sugababes co-manager) and Ali Raymond (Arlo Parks) on the MMF-led management panel
• Festival best-practice session with ArcTanGent, Y Not and Belladrum directors
• AI in music session led by Music Ally’s Joe Sparrow and CMU’s Chris Cooke
• Plus Dave Rowntree (Blur), Tom Kiehl (CEO, UK Music), Bev Whitrick (COO, Music Venue Trust), Jon Collins (CEO, LIVE) and David Martin (CEO, Featured Artists Coalition)
Tickets
Early Bird passes are on sale now via Skiddle:
• Full Event Pass — £50 + booking fee (conference both days + Thursday showcase)
• Conference Only Pass — £42.50 + booking fee (9:15am–5pm, 22nd & 23rd October)
• Showcase gig only — £14 + booking fee
Un-Convention is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner, founded in 2008, and has run 115 events across 5 continents.
Full details: https://www.unconventionhub.org/
Tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/e/42289190
