Beyond The Music has revealed the first 22 artists set to perform at its 2026 festival, which will run across 7, 8 and 9 October as part of the event’s third edition – and its first year at MediaCity in Salford.
Alongside its three-day global forum for the music and creative content industries, the festival programme will take over spaces across the MediaCity campus and wider Salford, from outdoor stages and dock10 studios to disused shops and established local venues.
The first wave of artists includes Birmingham rapper Kofi Stone, who leads the bill as the first headliner to be announced. He is joined by Lady Ice, West London MC Bawo – the self-proclaimed ‘Mayor of Brum’ – and returning Manchester artist OneDa, who previously performed at the festival and later hosted its 2025 INSPIRE ‘Beyond The Band’ education event at Co-op Live.
Also on the lineup are Loose Articles, who return after appearing at the festival’s 2023 launch event at SXSW in Austin, as well as Mouth Ulcers, Loren Heat, Nico Harmony, Che3kz and Teleshopping. The full first announcement also confirms appearances from Cutscene, Ewan Sim, Getner, Hana Lili, Holly Head, Jayahadadream, Migraine Mowgli, Naomi Kalu, Roukaya B, Superlative, TeeZandos and Third Kulture.
The music programme has again been curated by Beyond The Music co-founder and lead programmer Oli Wilson, with the festival continuing its focus on supporting both emerging and established acts, maintaining a 50/50 gender split and creating opportunities for underrepresented genres, scenes and artists, particularly those from Greater Manchester.
Speaking about the 2026 lineup, Wilson said: “I’m proud to present such a mix of musical genres – from rap to classical, punk to RnB – that defines the modern Manchester sound. There is another music revolution pending here, and we are proud to be platforming it; not only by showcasing new artists, but by connecting them with the networks and tools they need to build a career.
“Manchester is once again at the forefront of music culture, serving as both a tastemaker and the forge for a new industry created by and for the artist. I’m looking forward to welcoming artists, music fans and industry to Media City in Salford this October – to be part of and shape the future of the music and content industries.”
Beyond The Music has also opened its artist submissions programme for 2026, inviting grassroots artists from the North West and beyond to apply for a chance to perform at one of the festival’s key venues, including those without management or booking representation.
The event, which describes itself as operating at the intersection of culture, content and innovation, is expanding its footprint for 2026 with a move to MediaCity, bringing Salford’s centenary year into the wider conversation around Greater Manchester’s music and creative future.
Early bird tickets are now on sale, with three-day music tickets starting from £44 and full delegate passes from £183.
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