Beyond The Music: Where Culture, Politics, and Creativity Collide in Manchester
Get ready for an event that promises to rewire how we think about the future of art, entertainment, and policy. Beyond The Music is set to bring together industry leaders, cultural activists, and political figures in Salford, Greater Manchester, from October 6th to 9th.
This isn’t just a festival; it’s a crucible where the high-stakes world of politics meets the vibrant energy of music culture. The gathering is anchored by an extraordinary lineup of speakers, including U.K.’s prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham, who will host the Global All Content AI Summit. This event will serve as a crucial day for policymaking debate, focusing on how to navigate the complex landscape of the music and creative industries.
Burnham, known for his history as Manchester’s former mayor and his ambition to lead the Labour party, brings a unique perspective to the table. He will delve into the economic and creative challenges facing the sector, setting the stage for critical conversations about growth, ownership, and sustainable practice in the arts.
The event kicks off with a dose of cultural nostalgia, featuring a special 24th-anniversary screening of the cult classic 24 Hour Party People. This cinematic treat will be paired with an exclusive keynote conversation between the film’s star, Steve Coogan, and director Michael Winterbottom, offering a deep dive into the history of Factory Records and its influential Manchester-formed acts like Joy Division and New Order.
Beyond the retrospective, Beyond The Music is packed with forward-thinking panels designed to tackle pressing industry issues. Attendees will explore challenging topics such as The Art of Resistance: Creator Industry Activists Assemble, which addresses the urgent need for ethical new right-holder models within the creative system. Another essential discussion, The Music Industry Is for Sale — But Who Is Buying?, will dissect the current trends in intellectual property and catalogue acquisitions and their impact on artists and fans.
Furthermore, the event addresses the evolving structure of live entertainment with a panel on The Gig Economy: Recharging The Long-Term Live & Entertainment Ecosystem. This session explores new long-term strategies and sports monetization methods aimed at creating a more sustainable ecosystem for music and performance.
Adding depth to the discussions are insights from key figures, including Ivors Academy chair Tom Gray, influential DJ Mike Pickering, and the co-founders of Beyond The Music, Sarah Pearson and Oliver Wilson. These voices ensure that the event is not just about policy, but also about the craft and community driving the creative world.
For those looking to immerse themselves in this convergence of history, innovation, and political vision, tickets and passes for the full experience are available now at here.
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Credit: Billboard
