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HULL MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION EVENT PROGRAMME
This year’s programme explores how music is shaping urban life, policy and economic development, bringing together global leaders to address the most pressing challenges facing music cities today.
Across two days, sessions will cover topics including measuring impact, building resilient music ecosystems beyond major hubs, and delivering bold solutions such as venue protection and artist housing. The programme also explores critical issues including climate, health, infrastructure, creative placemaking, technology, tourism and the night-time economy.
Alongside the conference, Hull will host the prestigious Music Cities Awards, celebrating the most innovative projects using music to drive positive change in cities around the world.
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Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Music Cities Awards
MONDAY 8 JUNE
13:00 - 17:00
Hull Local Music Forum
19:00 - 20:30 | Networking
Welcome Dinner (Invite Only)
A welcome dinner for international guests and partners to connect ahead of the Convention.
TUESDAY 9 JUNE
A Pre-conference Half-day Session
A focused, invite-only session for a limited group of 60 participants
5:20 PM - 5:25 PM
Closing remarks
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Katy Henriksen, cultural journalist
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Arkansas Live Music and Screening @BC’s Blues Shack
Presented by The Music Education Initiative and Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral & Visual History
WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE Double Tree
9:00 - 10:00
Welcome Registration
Start the day with coffee, informal conversations and time to connect with fellow delegates before the programme begins.
10:00 - 10:15
Opening Remarks
Welcome to the Music Cities Convention, setting the context and framing the key themes for the days ahead.
10:15 - 10:35 | Keynote
The Studio Infrastructure as an Economic Engine in Northern England
For decades, the North of England has exported world-class talent, but often lacked world-class technical infrastructure to capture that value locally. This presentation explores the strategic shift from talent export to ecosystem retention using the landmark partnership between Warner Music UK and Generator in Newcastle as a primary case study. We will examine how investing in high-end music infrastructure creates a focal point for regional creative clusters, anchors jobs, attracts private investment, and builds a sustainable pipeline that keeps the next generation of creators in the North.
10:35 - 11:25 | Panel
Measuring Impact: Big, Small - Everything Is About Community
Data is the language of decision-makers, but community is the heart of the story. This panel explores how measuring economic, social, and cultural value can unlock vital investment and shape human-centric policy, moving beyond basic ticket sales to demonstrate true impact. Find out how robust impact analysis builds trust with stakeholders and ensures that cultural initiatives serve local needs first.
11:25 - 12:00 | Networking
Coffee Break
A chance to recharge, reflect and continue conversations with speakers and delegates.
12:00 - 12:30 | In Conversation
From Club Culture to City Planning
How does a city’s musical heritage become the blueprint for its future? This fireside chat brings a frontline music journalist and DJ together with a leading Mayor to bridge the gap between the dancefloor and the town hall. They will explore how the raw energy of past subcultures can be harnessed to revitalise modern infrastructure, turning struggling town centers into vibrant, music-led destinations. A candid conversation on protecting the venues we love while building the resilient, connected cities we need.
12:30 - 13:20 | Panel
Everywhere Music City: Building Resilient Ecosystems Outside the Centre
Music cities aren't defined by their size or proximity to a capital, but by the strength of their strategy. This panel explores success stories from non-central hubs, examining how cities can leverage their unique identity to build global digital bridges and hyper-local networks, moving beyond branding to focus on policy and impact. Take with you practical tools to turn perceived isolation into a competitive edge, proving that sustainable innovation belongs to everyone, everywhere.
13:20 - 15:00
Lunch
A longer break to refuel, connect and continue conversations with delegates and speakers.
15:00 - 15:30 | Presentations
Collective Thinking and Solution-Oriented Discussions
Short presentations exploring practical responses to key challenges.
15:30 - 17:00 | Workshops
The Music City Lab: Solving Urban Challenges Collectively
The most powerful solutions aren’t found on a stage, they are built at the table. For the last 90 minutes of the day, we break the “fourth wall” of the conference. Attendees will self-select into one of four specialized tracks: Climate, Nighttime Economy (NTE), Tech, or Health. Led by expert facilitators, these breakout groups will discuss new policies, share failures, and co-author a set of 2026 priorities. The session concludes with each group reporting the 3 main ideas and conclusions to the rest of the group.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing Remarks
19:00 - 21:00
Hull of a Night
A citywide music showcase across Hull’s grassroots venues, celebrating the local music ecosystem.
THURSDAY 11 JUNE Connexin Live Arena
9:00 - 9:45
Welcome Networking
9:45 - 10:00
Opening Remarks
Welcome back. A short introduction to the day ahead, building on the conversations from Day 1.
10:00 - 10:30 | In Conversation
Music as a Pillar of Peace and Recovery
In zones of conflict and displacement, music is not a luxury—it is a vital lifeline. This session, led by the Playing For Change Foundation, explores how music education and cultural industry development provide essential infrastructure for peace. Featuring first-hand accounts from the Palestine Music Expo and the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, we examine how music and culture foster resilience, preserves identity under threat, and creates the social cohesion necessary for future reconstruction. Join us to discover how “Peace through Music” moves from a slogan into a strategic, life-saving reality.
10:30- 11:25 | Panel
The Policy Remix: Bold Solutions for Resilient Music Cities All Over The World
Cities worldwide are facing urgent challenges, from venue closures to artist displacement, that demand creative solutions. This session explores how cities have used bold policy to solve real-world crises, from venue protection to artist housing, moving beyond theory into action. Learn the "how" behind the wins and leave with a practical toolkit to rewrite the rules in your own backyard.
11:25 - 12:00
Coffee Break
A chance to recharge, reflect and continue conversations with speakers and delegates.
12:00 - 12:30 | Fireside Chat
Fireside Chat
A discussion exploring key issues shaping music cities today.
12:30 - 13:20 | Panel
The Power of Music City Networks
No city is an island. In the modern creative economy, collaboration is the ultimate competitive advantage. This series of fast-paced presentations showcases the tangible benefits of international music networks and sister cities. From shared talent circuits and cross-border tourism branding to joint policy research and digital innovation hubs, discover how formal partnerships amplify local impact. Hear directly from the leaders who are bridging continents to create a unified global stage, proving that when cities sync their strategies, the entire ecosystem thrives.
13:20 - 15:00
Lunch
A longer break to refuel, connect and continue conversations with delegates and speakers.
15:00 - 15:30 | Presentations
A Close Look at Case Studies
15:30 - 17:00 | Workshops
The Music City Policy Hackathon
Policy is where the change happens. For the last 90 minutes of the conference, attendees will be divided into teams to tackle four of the most difficult challenges facing modern cities: Funding, Sound & Noise, Education, and Infrastructure.
Guided by facilitators, each team must move from a problem statement to a fully-formed policy proposal. The session culminates with each team presenting their solutions to the whole group.
17:00 - 17:10
Closing Remarks by Music Cities
Final reflections and key takeaways from the Music Cities Convention.
MUSIC CITIES AWARDS Hull Minster
18:30-19:15
Pre-Awards Reception
An evening reception for delegates, nominees and guests ahead of the Music Cities Awards, offering a moment to connect and reflect before the ceremony.
19:15 - Late | Awards Ceremony & After Party
Music Cities Awards
Celebrating global innovation in music and city development
Followed by closing reception and afterparty (close 1AM)
Host Partners
Supporting Partners
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Do you have any other questions regarding the Hull Music Cities Convention, or want to sponsor? Contact info@sounddiplomacy.com to learn everything related to the event's programme and activities.