Aspiring artists, emerging music professionals and young people keen to break into the industry are heading to Leicester this week for the annual Leicester Music Conference.
The two-day event is being delivered by the Leicester Music Board with support from Leicester City Council. Formed in 2024, the board aims to develop grassroots music in the city, champion Leicester’s thriving music scene and raise its national profile.
Picture credit: Professor Green (Stephen Manderson) is performing at the Leicester Music Conference.
Proceedings begin on Thursday 26 February with a sold-out Young People’s Conference, a careers and skills event designed for 14 to 18-year-olds interested in working in music and the wider creative industries.
Hosted at the 2Funky Music Complex on Swan Street, the day will feature live performances, panel discussions and practical workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet producers, educators and industry professionals, gaining insight into the variety of roles available across the sector and how to build sustainable careers in music.
Day two, on 27 February, will open with a keynote speech from music industry veteran Myn Jazeel of Music Against Racism, focusing on driving positive change within the industry.
British rapper and singer-songwriter Professor Green will headline the conference’s live artist showcase, bringing a high-profile close to the event.
Running alongside the conference, De Montfort University will host a Creative Industries Expo at The Venue on Western Boulevard. Free to attend, the expo will provide those pursuing a career in music with access to networks, decision-makers and peers navigating similar pathways.
Graham Callister, board member and head of festivals, events and cultural policy at Leicester City Council, said: “We are proud to champion the Leicester Music Board and support the delivery of this flagship conference for our city and wider region.
“Leicester’s music scene is a powerful driver of our creative industries and night-time economy. This conference is bringing industry leaders to Leicester and showcasing the outstanding talent, innovation and cultural excellence that define our city.”
Conference founder and board member Yasin El Ashrafi added: “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.”
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 sector. Partners include 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.
The conference is sponsored by the BPI, Arts Council England, Voyager and the Leicester Music Board.
More information, including ticket details, is available at www.leicestermusicconference.co.uk
