ASPIRING artists, emerging music industry professionals and young people interested in careers in the music industry are heading for Leicester this week to take part in this year's Leicester Music Conference.
The annual event is being delivered by the Leicester Music Board, with support from Leicester City Council.
The board was formed in 2024 to develop grassroots music in the city, champion the city’s music scene and help to raise its profile nationally.
The two-day event begins on Thursday 26 February with the sold-out Young People’s Conference – a careers and skills event for 14 to 18 year-olds who are interested in working in music and the creative industries.
Taking place at the 2Funky Music Complex on Swan Street, it will offer live performances, panel discussions and workshops. Participants will be able to meet producers, educators and industry members to learn about different roles within the sector, and get an insight into how people build sustainable careers.
Day two of the event on 27 February will open with a speech from music industry veteran Myn Jazeel from Music Against Racism, focussing on how to drive positive change in the music sector.
British rapper and singer-song-writer Professor Green will be headlining the live artist showcase at the conference.
Running alongside the conference, De Montfort University will be hosting a Creative Industries Expo at The Venue on Western Boulevard. Free to attend, it will offer anyone trying to build a career in music invaluable access to networks, decision makers and people on the same journey.
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, 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”.
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. They are 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 BPI, Arts Council England, Voyager and the Leicester Music Board.
More details on the events and how to book tickets are available at www.leicestermusicconference.co.uk
Photo: Professor Green (Stephen Manderson) is performing at the Leicester Music Conference.