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Hull Music Cities Convention 2026 — Your Essential Guide

Hull Music Cities Convention 2026 — Your Essential Guide
Photo from Jack Gray

As Hull prepares to host the prestigious Music Cities Convention, we're addressing the most common questions about what makes this event special and why this city is the perfect backdrop for conversations about music's role in urban development.


1) Why was Hull chosen to host the Music Cities Convention?

Hull is a city with an impressive musical trajectory. It has evolved from its industrial roots into a thriving hub for arts and culture. Hosting the Music Cities Convention confirms that Hull's creative ecosystem is on a path to global recognition.


2) What can attendees expect from the Hull edition that will feel different from previous conventions?

The Music Cities Convention is returning to the UK nearly a decade after it was founded here, so the event will have a special celebratory vibe. Furthermore, the UK has one of the world's most mature ecosystems for music cities conversations, allowing this edition to showcase the most innovative best practices and lessons on how music can help cities thrive.


3) Who will be speaking, and what kinds of sectors will be represented?

A global cohort of music advocates from 30+ countries working at the forefront of music policy, including representatives from government, tourism, the night-time economy, development banks, city councils, artists, venue operators, creative entrepreneurs & more.


4) Will there be opportunities for networking or building partnerships with UK and international stakeholders?

Yes! The Music Cities Convention is a unique event, distinct from a typical music or policy conference. It's a hands-on, practice-led event where the line between speakers, VIP delegates, and attendees is blurred, fostering meaningful connections and long-term collaborations.


Legacy projects sparked by past conventions include the Huntsville Music Office and the Liverpool City Region Music Board. Additionally, the recent Anguilla Music Tourism Convention hosted the "First Meeting to Help Launch the Caribbean Music Tourism Alliance," demonstrating how these events catalyse new regional initiatives.


5) What cultural experiences or music events in Hull will be part of the programme?

Hull's thriving music ecosystem will be on full display. Delegates can expect unique experiences, from a community-focused tour with local rap artist and figure Chiedu Oraka to experiencing Hull's iconic live music scene at venues like The Welly, a cornerstone of the city's entertainment scene since 1913. As the hometown of legendary bands like Everything But The Girl and The Housemartins, exploring Hull offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the people driving its modern music scene.


This convention represents more than just talks and panels; it's an immersive experience in a city that has successfully harnessed music for urban renewal. Hull's story from industrial past to cultural present provides the perfect living case study for what happens when cities embrace their musical identity.



Be among the first to receive programme updates, speaker announcements and special early bird rates. Don't miss this opportunity to join global leaders shaping the future of music in cities.



 
 
 

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