The third edition of the Leicester Music Conference is set to take place on 26-27 February 2026, promising a significant expansion for the Midlands’ leading music industry event. Organisers have today (Thursday 11 December) revealed a comprehensive programme that includes the launch of a bold new Creative Industry Expo, alongside a live music showcase and a series of high-profile speakers.
Expanding across two major city venues—the 2Funky Music Complex and The Venue at DMU—the conference is designed to supercharge the region’s talent pipeline. Booking is now open for the main conference day on Friday 27 February, which will feature panels, practical workshops, demonstrations, and networking opportunities for emerging artists and music professionals.
The live music showcase has confirmed several major names, including London-based producer ZDOT. An integral part of the UK grime and rap scenes for over a decade, ZDOT has worked with heavyweights such as Stormzy, Cardi B, Bugzy Malone, Charli XCX, and Rita Ora. He will be joined by Gemma Fox, a MOBO-nominated UK artist and label owner instrumental in shaping UK grime and bassline.
Local talent remains a priority for the event, with HQ Familia Live set to bring together a collective of Leicester-based producers, songwriters, and rappers. Their performance is billed as a multi-genre journey designed to demonstrate the depth and diversity of the region’s emerging music scene.
A major addition for 2026 is the high-quality Creative Industry Expo. Organised by the Leicester Music Board, this new element aims to connect attendees with cutting-edge technology and leading organisations. Exhibitors confirmed for the event include Sontronics, ROLI, Digit Music, Voyager, Meesha Graphics, Leicester Fashion District, TiME: Table of Music Tech, Tonic Music, Soundstrokes, and the Independent Society of Musicians.
The main conference will open with a keynote address from Myn Jazeel. As Co-Chair of the MOBO Trust, Chair of Music Against Racism, and former SVP at Warner Music, Jazeel will discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion within the creative industries.
Speaking on the announcement, Myn Jazeel said: “Leicester is at an exciting moment in its creative journey. The Leicester Music Conference shows what can happen when a thriving city puts people, culture, and ambition at the centre of its growth strategy. I’m passionate about creating fairer and more inclusive pathways in music, so I’m proud to join an event that brings incredible young talent, educators, and industry leaders together in the same space.”
The conference schedule offers a wide variety of sessions hosted by partners including UK Music, Music Minds Matter, TikTok, and BBC Introducing. New sessions for 2026 include “In the Mix: The Craft of Music Production,” offering a deep dive into studio practice, and “Indie Labels in the Modern Age,” curated by The Association of Independent Music (AIM). Attendees can also access a ‘Meet the Funders’ drop-in with representatives from Arts Council England, Help Musicians, and the Step Up Fund.
Preceding the main event, Thursday 26 February will be dedicated to 14-18-year-olds from schools across the county. This tailored programme includes career panels, interactive sessions, and a collaborative performance featuring Leicester’s first Poet Laureate, Shay Sharma. The day will conclude with a roundtable for education leaders led by Phil Nelson, co-founder of The Great Escape Festival.
Delegate places for the Conference & Expo are priced at £10, or £15 to include the Evening Showcase. Access to the Expo only is free of charge. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
For the full programme and further details, visit www.leicestermusicconference.co.uk.
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