Melanie C and Ian Murray MP, Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), have been confirmed as the first keynote speakers for The Great Escape Conference 2026. The conference takes place in Brighton from 13th–16th May 2026, and delegate passes are on sale now.
Melanie C will sit down with British DJ and presenter Jaguar for a special keynote conversation presented in association with CALM, the festival’s charity partner. The session carries extra significance this year: it marks both 20 years of The Great Escape and 30 years since the arrival of the Spice Girls, a cultural force that redefined British pop on a global scale.
As a solo artist, Melanie C holds the record for the most UK No.1 singles by a female artist in chart history — and is the only female performer to top the charts solo, as part of a duo, a quartet and a quintet. Her new album Sweat provides fresh context for what promises to be a candid and wide-ranging conversation. She 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.”
Ian Murray MP joins as the second confirmed keynote, bringing a government perspective to the conference floor. As the minister responsible for shaping UK policy across music, touring, broadcasting and the night-time economy, his appearance signals the ongoing importance of dialogue between the creative industries and Westminster. Murray 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.”
Also newly announced is Molly Neuman, President of CD Baby, who will join music industry podcast host Mark Sutherland for a conversation on how artists can build sustainable, future-proof careers in an increasingly independent landscape.
The Council of Music Makers (CMM) will present a session titled “AI, Streaming, Media + Touring: The Music-Maker Perspective On Key Industry Trends”, featuring Annabella Coldrick (MMF), Naomi Pohl (Musicians’ Union), David Martin (FAC), Roberto Neri (Ivors Academy) and Cameron Craig (MPG). Expect frank debate on AI music companies, streaming economics, touring pressures and ticketing reform.
New collaborators War Child and Rough Trade join the programme for 2026. War Child will present a panel on the story behind the much-anticipated HELP (2) record, while Rough Trade celebrates its 50th anniversary with a session on its cultural legacy as an independent retailer. They join existing collaborators including BPI, PPL, EarthPercent, IQ Magazine, AIM, BBC Introducing, NTIA and Youth Music.
Newly confirmed trade partners include AWAL, FUGA, Downtown, NOMEX, Ticketmaster New Music, Vevo, Virgin Music Group, M For Montreal, Centre National de la Musique and Creative Scotland, all of whom will host showcases, networking brunches, cocktail parties and more across the event.
More speakers and sessions are still to be announced. Delegate passes are available now at greatescapefestival.com/buy-delegate-passes.
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