The Great Escape Conference returns in May 2026 reimagined for its 20th anniversary edition, with more industry voices shaping its programme than ever before. Launched in 2024, TGE’s Conference Collaborators were established to bring major industry networks directly into the programming process — and this year, the collective expands to new heights.
TGE 2026 welcomes new collaborators:
BPI
PPL
CALM
IQ Magazine
Association of Independent Music
EarthPercent
Youth Music
Dutch Music Export
CIMA
Audio Network
Joining returning collaborators including BBC Introducing, NTIA and Council of Music Makers, they will shape expert-led sessions and essential conversation across three thematic days, as TGE begins earlier than ever with an extended opening strand.
Daily Strands
Wednesday 13 May — Live Music & Night Time Culture
Exploring venue resilience, touring innovation and evolving audiences, curated with IQ Magazine, NTIA and MVAB.
Thursday 14 May — Artist Careers & Recorded Rights
Focusing on creative growth, royalties, finance and wellbeing — shaped alongside Council of Music Makers, AIM, PPL and CALM.
Friday 15 May — Next Gen Day
Championing emerging artists, young entrepreneurs and future leaders across live, labels, sync, climate and career access, curated with EarthPercent, Youth Music, BPI and BBC Introducing.
First Wave of Conference & Event Partners
TGE 2026 also unveils its first major conference partners and curated event hosts, supporting networking, education, industry export programmes and live showcases across the festival:
Lead Education Partner: BIMM Institute
Charity Partner: CALM
Additional 2026 Partners Announced:
Bandcamp
Brixton Institute
Showcase Cymru
Zeitgeist Germany
The Orchard
This first wave represents the broadest cross-section of the music sector, spanning venue advocacy, youth development, education, sync, rights, global export and artist support — with more names set to land soon.
Looking Ahead to May 2026
4,000+ global music industry delegates
Expert-curated panels, keynotes & live-industry debate
Career-defining networking parties, brunches & receptions
Global festival showcases rooted at the heart of TGE
More collaborators and keynote speakers to be unveiled
This is where next-gen music and future-defining industry conversation meet — only in Brighton, only at The Great Escape 2026.
Explore the full conference themes and collaborators announced so far
Early Bird delegate passes are close to selling out. Book your place at TGE26 today.