Beyond The Music will take place at MediaCity in Salford for the first time in 2026, marking a new chapter for the fast-growing forum and festival as it expands its footprint and scope.
The three-day event will bring together voices from music, media, technology and the wider creative industries, with organisers positioning the move as a step towards strengthening Greater Manchester’s role in the global creative economy. The relocation also ties into Salford’s centenary year, connecting activity across the city with central Manchester’s ongoing cultural momentum.
This year’s programme will use the MediaCity campus, including dock10 studios and a range of Salford venues, for keynote talks, showcases, networking events and cross-sector partnerships. Artists, executives, innovators and policymakers from around the world are expected to take part.
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.”
A major new addition for 2026 is the All Content AI Summit, described as a first-of-its-kind global gathering hosted by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Taking place on Friday 9 October, the session will bring together practitioners and policymakers from across the content industries to discuss licensing, provenance, attribution and enforcement, with a focus on protecting rights and integrity as artificial intelligence reshapes the sector.
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.”
Conference sessions during the day will focus on ownership, protection and the future value of creative work, with music positioned as a thread linking the wider content industries. By night, the event will turn to live performance, with more than 100 emerging artists set to play for delegates and festivalgoers, while new acts will also be able to submit music for the chance to perform at one of the festival’s main venues.
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.”
The festival will also use spaces across the MediaCity campus, studios and Quayside shopping centre, alongside shows in established Salford venues, as it expands its reach. Tickets are on sale now, including a Pay It Forward scheme aimed at improving access for those hoping to build a career in music.
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