The Great Escape Announces First Details For 20th Anniversary 2026

The Great Escape (TGE), the UK’s leading music biz conference and talent festival, is pleased to announce next year’s line-up of industry collaborators, as well as the themes the conference will delve into for its 20th anniversary edition, which returns to Brighton, England, May 13-16.

The so-called Conference Collaborators were established two years ago to bring major industry networks directly into TGE’s programming process and shape sessions with the help of their experts and practitioners.

Collaborators entering the scene in 2026 include BPI, PPL, EarthPercent, CALM, IQ Magazine, Music Venues Alliance Brighton (MVAB) and Audio Active. They join returning collaborators Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Introducing, Council of Music Makers (CMM), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Youth Music.

TGE’s 2026 collaborators therefore span live, labels, rights, artist support, mental health, sustainability, youth development and more. Next year’s conference will begin earlier than ever, running from Wednesday, May 13, to Friday, May 15. Delegates are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday in time for a full afternoon of sessions.

The first conference day will focus on the evolving live landscape, and examine the pressures, opportunities and innovations shaping venues, touring, audiences and night time culture.

Thursday, May 14, will explore the issues central to artist careers in 2026, covering creative development, rights, financial resilience, artist health and new business models.

The Friday will spotlight the future of the industry, platforming emerging artists, young professionals and next generation leaders. Programming will focus on early career development, new pathways into the sector and the innovations shaping tomorrow’s music landscape.

Delegate passes for The Great Escape 2026 are available now at greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes, starting at the early-bird rate of £242 ($322)

The Great Escape has also unveiled the first wave of partners set to host various events at the 20th anniversary edition, including networking brunches, showcase, cocktail parties and more.

The list includes Lead Education Partner BIMM, and Charity Partner CALM, alongside ACS, Audio Network, Sounds Australia, Austrian Music Export, Bandcamp, BIMM, CD Baby,
CIMA, Music From Ireland, Dutch Music Export, the New Zealand Music Commission, Portuguese Discovery Initiative, Qobuz, SESAC, Swiss Music Export, The Spanish Wave, The Orchard, Showcase Cymru, Zeitgeist Germany, and Waterbear.

Meanwhile, New Zealand is announced as The Great Escape’s Lead Country Partner for 2026. Led by The New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand, guests will be treated to a full program with two showcases, panels on the New Zealand music industry and industry receptions. Ringlets, a post-punk quartet signed to the legendary New Zealand Indie label Flying Nun are the first performers from Aotearoa/New Zealand to be announced.

Additionally, BBC Introducing, Notion, The Independent, DIY, Pollstar, IQ Mag, Dork, Clash, Billboard UK, and So Young are returning as media partners for 2026.

‘The Future Of Music Is Safe’: Q’s With Adam Ryan, The Great Escape

Comments:

Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals, operators of the Great Escape: “The Great Escape conference returns in 2026 powered up with a phenomenal group of collaborators, each bringing world class expertise from across the music landscape. Their involvement ensures we continue to lead essential conversations that shape the future of our industry. Every year we work to evolve The Great Escape, and this edition represents our most ambitious vision yet. We look forward to welcoming the music community back to Brighton for the UK’s standout industry event of the year.”

Kate Reilly Chief Membership & People Officer, PPL: “PPL is proud to join The Great Escape conference as a collaborator. We look forward to working alongside our industry partners to champion the value of recorded music, support the next generation of talent, and ensure that performers and recording rightsholders have access to help shape a sustainable and inclusive music industry.”

Michelle Humphreys, Careers Manager, BIMM: “We are proud to continue our relationship with The Great Escape in 2026 as Lead Educational Partner. This reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of creative talent and championing new music. We look forward to another year of inspiring experiences, meaningful connections, and unforgettable performances from BIMM University students.”

Alan Holt, International Manager at the New Zealand Music Commission: “We are excited for this opportunity for Aotearoa/New Zealand to be lead nation at The Great Escape 2026. The Great Escape has long been a pivotal event for us and we relish the opportunity to draw a giant spotlight upon the amazing talent that our country has to offer.”

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE