Networking Parties Friday 15th May
iQ International Mixer
The Walrus
11:00 – 13:00
As the live music industry heads to the seaside for The Great Escape Festival, IQ Magazine invites you to take a break from the merry go round of meetings and showcases and join us for an intimate brunch and a chance to relax. On Friday 15 May, from 11am to 1pm, we will be taking over The Walrus for the IQ International Mixer – a laid-back brunch gathering designed to bring together the people helping to shape live music across the world.
Set against the buzz of Brighton and the many showcases, this late-morning meet-up is designed to provide some calm and a chance to recharge the batteries during a packed festival schedule. With complimentary food and drink, it will be an easy-going, informal space in the middle of the day.From promoters and agents to venue operators, festivals, and production specialists, it will be a great chance to meet existing friends and contacts and make new ones. There will be no speeches, no debates, just a room full of peers and some top-notch food and drink.
IQ sits at the centre of the live business – and we’d love to see you there.
RSVP Here
Vevo
Brighton Beach House
11:00 – 13:00
Join Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, for a sea side brunch at Brighton Beach House. Meet and mingle with members of Vevo’s Music & Talent, Editorial and Programming teams while enjoying the coastal views and curated selection of drinks and lite bites. Whether you’re an artist, manager, label representative or media professional, this gathering offers the perfect setting to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and connect with peers that are shaping the future of music.
Nordic Brunch hosted by Ja Ja Ja
Redroaster (Brighton Dome)
10:30 – 12:00
Ja Ja Ja invites you to catch up with the Nordics at The Great Escape
2026! Join us for a Nordic brunch at Redroaster on Friday 15 May, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to connect with Nordic delegates attending the festival.
RSVP Here
Zeitgeist
Patterns
11:30 – 12:30
One again this year, the ZEITGEIST Showcase returns as part of The Great Escape Festival, presenting exciting emerging artists from across Germany.
In collaboration with seven partners, the ZEITGEIST Showcase invites you to discover the vibrant and diverse German music scene. This year’s lineup features Suzan Köcher’s Suprafon (presented by popNRW), Linah-Maria (RockCity Hamburg), Power Plush (BPM Saxony), Atomic Lobster (Pop-Büro Region Stuttgart), Lisl (vpby), Sorvina (Musicboard Berlin), Spiral Drive and Roomer (both Initiative Musik).
Join us at the ZEITGEIST Reception at 11:30 am at Patterns Upstairs – just before the showcase – to meet the partners and artists and connect with the network behind the music.
VMG
Deadwax
11:30 – 14:30
Virgin Music Group is back at The Great Escape!
Join us at The Deadwax Social on Friday 15th of May from 12:00–2:30pm for a special networking session – food and drinks on us.
It’s the perfect chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people, and hear what VMG’s been up to over the past year.
Heads up: it’s first come, first served, so swing by early to grab a spot. Entry is not guaranteed.
The Orchard
Shelter Hall
16:00 – 18:00
More information to be announced
New Zealand Music Commission
TGE Beach Site – On The Rocks
16:00 – 18:00
As part of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s role as Lead Country Partner for The Great Escape 2026, this networking event brings together artists, industry professionals, delegates and international guests for an informal opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships.
Hosted by the New Zealand Music Commission in partnership with Live Nation New Zealand, the event celebrates Aotearoa, New Zealand’s contemporary music scene while fostering meaningful conversations across borders. Attendees will have the chance to meet members of the New Zealand artist delegation alongside global industry leaders spanning labels, festivals, agents, managers, media and tastemakers.
Drinks and light hospitality will be provided, with music and atmosphere reflecting the creativity and spirit of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
SoundExchange Closing Happy Hour
Leonardo Promenade Lounge
17:00 – 18:30
Let’s wrap an incredible week at The Great Escape with a celebratory closing happy hour! Join SoundExchange and connect with artists, industry leaders, and fellow music lovers over drinks as we reflect on the week’s standout moments and conversations. We look forward to celebrating with you!
To see all networking parties on Thursday 14th May CLICK HERE.