Leicester Music Conference returns on 26 and 27 February.
Bringing together artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts for an inspiring day of knowledge-sharing, networking, and live performances. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, an industry professional, or a passionate music fan, this event offers something for everyone.
We caught up with Yasin El-Ashrafi, one of the organisers, to find out more about it.
Leicester Music Conference is back for 2026. How are you building on the success of last year?
Leicester Music Conference has been growing year on year, but last year marked an important step forward for us. It was the first time we expanded to two days, introducing a dedicated Young People’s Conference alongside the main adult industry conference.
That evolution proved something important. We showed that Leicester can host a multi day conference that brings national industry figures into the city while still feeling authentic, accessible and grassroots.
For 2026 we have levelled it up again. The conversations are bigger, the energy is stronger and we have expanded into a second venue. Across the road at De Montfort University at The Venue we are launching our first ever Creative Industries Expo, which is a major step forward for us.
It is also the second year of our Young People’s Conference and that has already sold out. That strand brings education and industry together with a long term view of supporting the next generation of music professionals. For me that is key. We are not just putting on an event, we are building a pipeline for the Midlands.
We position LMC as a Midlands conference in Leicester. That is intentional. It is about creating a central hub for artists and industry across the region, not just the city.
The Expo will showcase music organisations alongside tech, fashion, merch, augmented and virtual reality, with specially commissioned performances that are going to genuinely blow people’s minds. It reflects where the industry is heading and how interconnected the creative industries have become.
Who is the conference aimed at?
It is for anyone wanting a career in the music industry and for those who are already emerging or established.
Artists, producers, managers, DJs, songwriters and creative entrepreneurs will all find something valuable in the programme. It is educational but it does not feel stiff or corporate. It has a real grassroots festival vibe.
The networking opportunities alone are worth coming for, but the whole day and night is packed full of inspiring people, practical insight and genuine opportunities.
What are some of the programme highlights?
We are incredibly proud to have Professor Green joining us. He is a multi platinum artist with a backstory that a lot of our community can relate to and he has been a strong advocate for mental health, which is something we care deeply about as a conference.
We have also got Zdot, Gemma Fox, the South Asian Showcase featuring Brown is Everywhere and Desi Trill, Queen Millz, plus the HQ Familia showcase and more to be announced.
Alongside the performances we have panels covering artist development, funding, publishing, sync, marketing and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s industry, as well as conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
We are working with BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) and Music Against Racism because inclusivity and mental health are not side topics for us, they are central to what we are building. We have intentionally built a genuinely diverse line up across genres, backgrounds and disciplines because representation matters.
Tell us about the expo happening alongside the conference. What sort of businesses will be attending?
The Creative Industries Expo is happening at De Montfort University at The Venue, directly across from the main conference.
We will have companies and organisations including Sontronics, Focusrite, Clarion, Ableton, Leicester Fashion Districtand Unchained Music involved, alongside a range of music organisations, tech companies, fashion brands and creative start ups.
A big part of the Expo is the Funders Zone, where artists can directly connect with Arts Council England, Youth Music, PRS Foundation and the Featured Artists Coalition Step Up Fund team.
The idea is simple. Artists should not just hear about opportunities on a panel. They should be able to walk over, meet the people, test products, explore new tools and build real connections.
It shows how music now intersects with fashion, technology and digital culture and where the future is going.
For aspiring musicians, how important is it for Leicester and the Midlands to be hosting events like this?
It is massive.
For too long, artists from Leicester and across the Midlands have felt like they have to move to London to be taken seriously. Leicester Music Conference challenges that narrative.
By bringing national decision makers, speakers and established artists into the city, we are showing that opportunity does not just live in London. It lives here too.
We are creating a space that feels inclusive, diverse and supportive, and we are building real pathways into the industry. This is about long term infrastructure for the region. It is about visibility, confidence and practical access to networks and opportunity.
What are you most looking forward to about the event?
Honestly, that moment when the rooms are full and you can feel the energy.
Seeing artists who were in the audience last year now performing or speaking. Watching new collaborations happen in real time. Seeing someone make a connection that changes their career trajectory.
That is what it is about for me.
How much is it? How do people buy tickets?
The Creative Industries Expo at De Montfort University is completely free to attend, so anyone can come down, explore the stands, experience the tech and meet organisations.
The daytime conference programme is just £10 and if you want access to absolutely everything including panels, networking and the evening showcases, it is only £15.
We have kept it intentionally affordable because access matters. We do not want cost to be a barrier for young people, grassroots artists or anyone trying to break into the industry.
Tickets are available online via the official Leicester Music Conference website and social channels and we recommend booking early as the evening programme especially fills up fast.
Leicester Music Conference takes place on 26 and 27 February 2026. For the full line-up of sessions and to purchase tickets, visit the Leicester Music Conference website.
