Lancashire Music Summit 2026

Overview

Lancashire Music Summit 2026 is a public-facing event bringing together artists, promoters, venue operators, educators, local authorities and other music stakeholders to explore how Lancashire can better support its music people, places and scenes.

Building on last year's focus on the things the music industry needs to thrive, this year's event places greater emphasis on activity, opportunity, interventions and what Lancashire can do in practice to strengthen its music ecology. The Summit aims to share insight, spark new ideas, strengthen connections and help shape practical next steps for the county's music sector.

Key topics will include

• live and recorded music
• digital releasing and label development
• talent development and pathways to music careers
• audience development and sustainable activity
• new ideas, distinctive cultural activity and future opportunity
• funding, investment potential and practical next steps

Draft outline of the day

• networking / lunch
• welcome and framing
• growing successful, sustainable live / festival activity
• releasing music: self-release, access and opportunity
• building and running a modern digital label
• talent development and pathways to music careers
• new ideas / future opportunity
• consultation / audience input
• networking

Speakers include

• Ramin Bostan - Music industry executive and former COO, Ostereo
• Mike Murphy - Global Head of Events & Partnerships / Label Services Manager, Ditto Music
• Professor Alice O'Grady - University of Leeds
• Tony Rigg - Founder, Lancashire Music Association; Music Industry Advisor; Night-time Economy Ambassador for Lancashire (NTIA); Researcher, University of Lancashire
• Jennie Russell-Smith - Founder, Rebellion Festival
• Jamie Turner - Managing Director, Actual Music
• Jacki Willson - Associate Professor, University of Leeds

Age guidance
Ages 16+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Tickets
Tickets are free for Lancashire Music Association members. Membership is free.

Accessibility and inclusion
The Lancashire Music Summit is an inclusive event and all are welcome. If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss support needs in advance, please contact Tony Rigg at trigg@lancashire.ac.uk.