The Great Escape is proud to unveil the latest wave of speakers for its 2025 Conference, with iconic rock frontwoman Skin of Skunk Anansie confirmed as a headline keynote. Taking place in Brighton this May, the Conference once again brings together the brightest minds and most influential voices from across the global music industry.
On Friday 16 May, Skin will sit down for an exclusive in-conversation session with Roisin O’Connor, Music Editor at The Independent. Coinciding with the upcoming release of Skunk Anansie’s much-anticipated new album The Painful Truth, the keynote will offer a powerful and personal look into the turbulent times that shaped the record — and Skin’s thoughts on the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Reflecting this year’s core theme — how to build a sustainable career in music — the 2025 conference will feature both established trailblazers and emerging talent. A special session in collaboration with AudioActive will spotlight rising stars Sophie Faith, Hatter, Lori Asha, and REA, exploring the challenges and opportunities facing early-career artists today.
Also joining the line-up are major new speakers from across the industry, including:
Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group)
Nazlı Yırtar (Warner Music)
Kameil Sattar (Cargo Records)
Eunice Obianagha (UK Music)
Jasmine Takhar (BBC Asian Network)
Kelly Betts (BBC Introducing)
Cathy Runciman (EarthPercent)
Josephine Illingworth (Tune Into Nature Music Prize winner)
From influential executives to independent disruptors, the full speaker line-up covers every corner of the industry — with discussions spanning direct-to-fan strategies, sync, mental health, touring, and more.
Panels and partner sessions will be hosted by VERO Music, Audio Network, Music Support, Pollstar, The Spanish Wave, Brainchild Creative Studio, and Ticketmaster New Music.
The 2025 programme also celebrates future leaders through the ELEVATE professional development scheme, supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery. This year’s 21 ELEVATE super-delegates will benefit from bespoke mentoring, curated networking, and exclusive access across the festival.
For delegates looking to expand their global reach, Speed Networking returns — presented by the Department for Business and Trade — connecting UK professionals with international bookers, agents, and music supervisors.
With more speakers and sessions still to come, TGE 2025 is set to be one of the most forward-thinking and exciting editions yet.
Delegate passes are on sale now – join the conversation: greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes