Plus new speakers and collaborators including War Child, Rough Trade and CD Baby
The Great Escape has today announced Melanie C and Ian Murray MP, Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the first two keynote speakers for its industry-leading conference, taking place in Brighton from 13th–16th May 2026.
With three days of insight, debate and networking, The Great Escape Conference will once again set the new music agenda at the heart of the European music sector — and in 2026, as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary, the conversations promise to be more vital than ever.
Melanie C in Conversation with Jaguar (Presented with CALM)
Celebrating the release of her new album Sweat, Melanie C will sit down with British DJ and presenter Jaguar for a special keynote conversation presented in association with The Great Escape’s Charity Partner, CALM.
This landmark session arrives at a moment of dual celebration: 20 years of The Great Escape and 30 years since the arrival of the Spice Girls — a cultural force that reshaped British pop and ushered in a new era of global girl power.
As a member of the Spice Girls, Melanie C helped define a generation. As a solo artist, she holds the record as the female artist with the most UK No.1 singles in chart history and remains the only female performer to top the charts solo as part of a duo, quartet and quintet. Across a career spanning three decades — from stadium tours to global DJ sets — she continues to shape conversations around creativity, identity and longevity in music.
Melanie C said:
“I’m really looking forward to joining The Great Escape this year and taking the time to reflect on my journey in the music industry. From the early days with the Spice Girls to building a solo career and stepping behind the decks as a DJ, I’ve experienced so many different sides of this business. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and how the industry has continued to evolve.”
Ian Murray MP: Policy and the Future of the Creative Industries
Joining the conference for a special keynote session, Ian Murray MP brings a vital government perspective as The Great Escape marks its twentieth anniversary.
As Minister of State at DCMS, Murray plays a key role in shaping UK government policy across the creative industries, including music, touring, broadcasting and the night-time economy. His session will offer delegates direct insight into the policy landscape impacting the future of live music and the wider sector.
Ian Murray MP said:
“The Great Escape is a vital event in the live music calendar, and celebrating its 20th anniversary will be a significant occasion. I’m delighted to be attending, and speaking to delegates at the conference in May.”
Independence, AI and the Future of Music Careers
Also newly announced is Molly Neuman, President of CD Baby, who will appear in conversation with The Money Trench podcast presenter Mark Sutherland. In a landscape where independence can mean everything from self-releasing to running a global business, Neuman will explore how artists can thrive creatively, financially and culturally — and what sustainable, future-proof careers look like in today’s industry.
The Council of Music Makers (CMM) will present
“AI, Streaming, Media + Touring: The Music-Maker Perspective On Key Industry Trends”, bringing together Annabella Coldrick (MMF), Naomi Pohl (Musicians’ Union), David Martin (FAC), Roberto Neri (Ivors Academy) and Cameron Craig (MPG).
The session will tackle some of the most urgent debates facing the business — from AI music companies and streaming economics to touring pressures and ticketing reform — giving attendees clear insight into the industry trends that matter most to music makers.
War Child, Rough Trade and New Industry Partners
New collaborators War Child and Rough Trade join the programme in 2026.
War Child will present a special panel exploring the story and ambitions behind the much-anticipated HELP (2) record, while Rough Trade celebrates its 50th anniversary with a conversation examining the evolution and cultural impact of the iconic independent retailer.
They join an outstanding group of collaborators including BPI, PPL, EarthPercent, CALM, IQ Magazine, Music Venues Alliance Brighton (MVAB) and AudioActive, alongside returning partners Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Introducing, Council of Music Makers (CMM), Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Youth Music.
Newly confirmed trade partners — AWAL, FUGA, Downtown, NOMEX, Ticketmaster New Music, Vevo, Virgin Music Group (VMG), M For Montreal, Centre National de la Musique (CNM) and Creative Scotland — will host a wide range of activity across TGE, from live showcases and networking brunches to cocktail receptions and curated sessions.
With even more names and sessions still to be revealed, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most dynamic editions yet of the UK’s leading music conference.
Delegate passes are available now. Secure yours and join the conversation.