Beyond The Band: Free Career Event Hosted At Co-op Live Manchester

Beyond The Music, the conference and music festival launched in Manchester, England, in 2023, is offering a free-to-attend career event for upcoming music professionals, hosted Oct. 2 at Co-op Live.

The event is called Beyond The Band, and targets 16-25 year olds seeking a career in music, who can attend for free.

Confirmed speakers at Beyond the Band Marcus Russell (Manager, Ignition Music), and Clare Byrne (Label head, Ignition Music), part of Oasis’ management team and independent record company.

Other confirmed speakers include Michael Adex (Founder NQ / Aitch manager), Andy Burnham (mayor of Greater Manchester), Bev Craig (leader of Manchester City Council), Rob Ballantine (SJM Concerts), and more.

Beyond The Band will be hosted by award-winning Manchester poet and rapper, OneDa.

According to the press announcement of the event, “Manchester’s rich musical legacy has reached new heights in 2025; from the phenomenon of Oasis’ reunion shows at Heaton Park generating millions for the local Manchester economy and creating an extraordinary, city-wide buzz like never before; to the monumental news of the BRIT Awards leaving London after five decades for a brand new chapter at Manchester’s Co-op Live.”

Meanwhile, UK government stats show that London still dominates the UK’s creative output: “Over 50% of creative GVA comes from the capital, with just 8% of the country’s creative jobs based in the North West. For Beyond The Music and the management and label behind Oasis, the mission is clear: diversify, decentralize and develop Manchester’s creative employment and opportunity in order to protect and grow its legacy.”

Beyond The Band is part of Beyond The Music’s INSPIRE program, launched in 2022. The program has introduced Manchester students from the city’s Metropolitan University, Access Creative College, Manchester College, Factory Academy, and more to key industry stakeholders from businesses and associations including BPI, PPL, PRS, UK Music, Musician’s Union, and Dolby Atmos via its accessible, free to attend events and workshops running parallel with its industry conference.

INSPIRE’s latest initiative, Beyond The Band, is designed “to enable, connect and inspire future generations of music professionals via insightful panel conversations, networking programm and exhibitions spanning every avenue of the industry, from management, publishing and promotion to touring and production,” according to the announcement.

Beyond The Band panels will be hosted by John Robb, and will include an “On The Ground” strand, tackling everything from recording to management to publishing and promotion, as well as an “On The Road” strand, delving into all things live and production.

Free entry tickets to Beyond The Band will be granted via an application process for individuals at the beginning of their professional journey, whether that’s managing a friend’s band, gaining experience at a local venue, or establishing a new label.

Places are limited, and applicants are encouraged to make their submissions creative, bold, and clear in demonstrating why they should be a part of this vital opportunity. More information on beyondthemusic.co.uk/beyondtheband

Comments:

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester: “Greater Manchester has always led the way when it comes to music – from venues and festivals to the artists who’ve made their mark across the world. Our future depends on inspiring the next generation and making sure they have the access and opportunities to take it even further. Beyond The Band is about opening those doors and giving young people the chance to carry our story forward.”

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council: “Manchester’s music legacy is celebrated across the world—but its future depends on the investments we make today. By supporting grassroots venues and championing initiatives like the BTM INSPIRE event, we’re not only creating opportunities for young talent but also strengthening the ecosystem that keeps our great city’s music scene thriving.”

Co-founders of Beyond The Music, Sarah Pearson, Oli Wilson, and Rose Marley: “Manchester’s rich musical legacy is something we’re endlessly proud of, but it’s time to start looking forwards. Beyond The Music was founded to shape the future of our Manchester music ecosystem and the music and content industry itself, and that future depends on the next generation.

“Our INSPIRE program has already seen how free and equal access to music education and networks can change the trajectory of a career, and with such significant strides taken for Manchester’s music calendar over the past twelve months it’s feels more urgent than ever for Beyond The Band to open the doors at a grassroots level.”

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