26-27 February 2026.
Unlocking pathways into music careers is just one way the Leicester Music Conference will be helping more than 500 aspiring artists and emerging professionals this Friday 27 February.
Delivered by the Leicester Music Board, the flagship event is being supported by Leicester City Council to build on the success of the annual industry conference launched in 2024.
It’s all part of the board’s strategy to strengthen the city’s music ecosystem, build clear pathways from education to careers, and increase engagement in music across diverse communities. The conference raises the profile of the city’s music scene nationally, connecting local artists with national organisations and demonstrates that Leicester can convene industry at scale.
This year is set to welcome more than 500 delegates, who will hear an opening keynote speech from music industry veteran Myn Jazeel, Music Against Racism, talking about how to drive positive change in the music sector.
It all kicks off Thursday 26 February with the sold out Young People’s Conference, which brings education and industry together with a long term view of supporting the next generation.
The addition of the Creative Industries Expo across both days is another big step forward creating a space where artists, managers, producers, tech founders, educators and funders are all in the same room, to actively create opportunities. For anyone trying to navigate or build a career in music it will give invaluable access to knowledge, to networks, to decision makers and to people on the same journey.
Conference founder and board member Yasin El Ashrafi, said:
“Having this in Leicester means a lot. The talent and ambition here deserves a national spotlight. For too long, artists have felt they had to move to London to feel seen. Hosting something of this scale in our city sends a clear message that you can build from here. It strengthens confidence in our local scene, supports our grassroots infrastructure and shows young people that there is a pathway into the industry without leaving home.”
Graham Callister, Leicester City Council, said:
“Leicester City Council is proud to champion the Leicester Music Board and support the delivery of this flagship conference for our city and wider region. Leicester’s rich, diverse music ecology is a powerful driver of our creative industries and night-time economy. This conference not only fuels growth and attracts industry leaders to Leicester, it showcases the outstanding talent, innovation and cultural excellence that define our city.”
Kate Rounding, TiMe, added:
“The Creative Industries Expo places the music industry directly alongside education. Bringing together organisations like the ISM with companies including Sontronics, ROLI, Focusrite and Digit Music creates a genuine bridge between learning and professional practice, demonstrating how partnership can support progression into the industry.”
The last word to Yasin is his key advice to delegates:
“Come with a plan. Look at the programme in advance, decide what aligns with your goals and be intentional about who you want to connect with. Ask questions. Introduce yourself. Follow up the next day. Conferences are not just about what you hear on stage, they are about the relationships you build in the corridors. If you treat it as an opportunity rather than just an event, it can genuinely change your trajectory.”
BPI, Arts Council England, Voyager and the Leicester Music Board are sponsors and partners for the Leicester Music Conference & Expo.
The Leicester Music Board is a partnership of music industry and education organisations and professionals working together to support the growth of the city’s music industry – HQ CAN CIC / HQ Recording Studio / HQ Familia; PPL PRS; Leicester City Council; De Montfort University; Leicestershire Music; UMC Management; TiME Technology in Music Education and 2Funky Arts.
Delegate places for the Conference & Expo at 2Funky Music Complex and The Venue at DMU are £10, or £15 with the Evening Showcase. Access to the Expo only is free and also bookable via Eventbrite
For more information and to view the full programme, go to www.leicestermusicconference.co.uk
