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.

Draft outline of the day

12.30–1.00pm
Arrival, free sandwich lunch provided

Live performance from Imogen Evans and networking

1.00–1.15pm
Welcome & Framing: The Present and Future of Lancashire’s Music Sector
Tony Rigg, Founder, Lancashire Music Association; Music Industry Advisor; Night-time Economy Ambassador for Lancashire (NTIA); Researcher, University of Lancashire

1.15–1.45pm
Interview: Growing Successful, Sustainable Live / Festival Activity
Jennie Russell-Smith - Founder, Rebellion Festival 

1.45–2.00pm
Break

2.00–2.30pm
Releasing Music: Self-Release, Access and Opportunity
Mike Murphy - Global Head of Events & Partnerships / Label Services Manager, Ditto Music

2.30–3.00pm
Building a Modern Digital Label: Growth, Partnerships and Value Capture
Ramin Bostan - Music industry executive

3.00–3.15pm
Sector Consultation 1: What Stands in Our Way? What Support Would Help?
All attendees / interactive consultation

3.15–3.30pm
Break

3.30–4.00pm
Talent Development and Pathways to Music Careers
Jamie Turner - Managing Director, Actual Music

4.00–4.30pm
New Ideas & Future Opportunity
Panel with Professor Alice O’Grady - University of Leeds + Jacki Willson - Associate Professor, University of Leeds
Moderated by Tony Rigg

4.30–4.45pm
Sector Consultation 2: What Could We Do Better, Do More Of, or Try Next?
All attendees / interactive consultation

4.45–5.00pm
Summary, Next Steps and Close
Tony Rigg

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.