Rt.Hon. Angela Rayner, Burnham and Rotherham join Global Leaders, Cultural Icons and UNESCO Voices at Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool
The NTIA are proud to welcome Rt.Hon Angela Rayner and Mayors of the North Andy Burnham, Steve Rotheram and Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the DCMS Select Committee, as headline speakers at their annual Night Time Economy Summit, with Spotlight interviews from Todd Terry & Peter Hook, Keynotes from Philip Kolvin KC & Joaquim Boadas de Quintana President of the International Nightlife Association and global city leaders shaping the future of nightlife.
Liverpool has become the epicentre of global debate on culture, sustainability, cities and the night-time economy as senior political leaders, international city representatives, cultural pioneers, legal experts and technology innovators converge for a landmark summit of unprecedented scale.
The summit is headlined by a keynote address and live Q&A with the Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State. Her appearance anchors the programme, placing nightlife, culture and the creative industries firmly within the national political and economic conversation.
Angela Rayner’s keynote will address the current political and economic landscape, the pressures facing communities and local government, and the vital role culture, nightlife and the night-time economy play in jobs, growth, identity and regional renewal. In a wide-ranging Q&A, she explores devolution, transport, public safety, workforce challenges and how governments can better support cities and regions after dark.
She is joined by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, alongside Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the DCMS Select Committee, and parliamentarians Dr Rupa Huq MP, Chris Webb MP, Clive Lewis MP and Paul Kohler MP, forming one of the most politically influential gatherings the sector has seen.
A further keynote is delivered by Philip Kolvin KC, one of the UK’s leading licensing barristers and the author of Darkest Before the Dawn: A Manifesto for the Night Time Economy, written for the Night Time Industries Association. Drawing on this landmark work, Kolvin sets out a bold and strategic vision for the future of the UK’s night-time economy, highlighting the key opportunities and drivers for positive change across policy, planning and practice. His address emphasises the urgent need for an unprecedented partnership between government, local authorities, industry and communities, rooted in a shared commitment to protecting and growing one of the UK’s greatest and most valuable assets, nightlife.
Culture, Music and Global Club Voices at the Forefront
At the heart of the cultural programme is a spotlight keynote interview with Todd Terry, the pioneering DJ and producer whose influence helped shape modern house music and global club culture. In a rare in-depth conversation, Terry reflects on the rise of underground scenes, the cultural power of nightlife and how club culture has driven social connection, creativity and economic impact across cities from New York to the UK and beyond.
He is joined by leading voices from electronic music and nightlife culture, including Peter Hook of Joy Division, New Order and Peter Hook & The Light, offering rare insights into the Haçienda era and the role nightlife played in transforming Manchester into a global cultural force.
Also speaking are Sam Divine, DJ & Producer 555/Defected, and Yousef, DJ, producer and founder of Circus Recordings, bringing first-hand insight into the evolution of club culture, grassroots venues, artist livelihoods and the realities facing the electronic music ecosystem today.
Additional cultural contributions come from Lisa Maffia, Jumpin Jack Frost and Liverpool favourites Red Rum Club discussing the importance of grass roots live music, underlining the breadth and influence of the creative programme.
Global Leadership, Data and the Future of Nightlife
International leadership is led by Joaquim Boadas de Quintana, President of the International Nightlife Association, with senior representatives from Mexico, Vienna, Singapore, Australia, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden, the United States, Colombia, Argentina, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, among many others. In total, the summit welcomes over 250 speakers from more than 40 countries and 2,000+ delegates, positioning Liverpool as a global capital for nightlife and cultural policy.
As the sector reflects on the year, the summit also launches two major publications:
- The latest Annual Report on the UK Electronic Music Scene, mapping economic contribution, employment, exports, venue sustainability and artist livelihoods
- The Annual Night Time Economy (NTE) Report, benchmarking opportunities and challenges facing nightlife as the UK rounds up 2025
Together, the reports underline both the resilience and fragility of the sector, strengthening calls for coordinated action between government, cities and industry.
Innovation, Comedy and UNESCO-Supported Culture
Technology and innovation are spotlighted through an AlphaTheta showcase, unveiling the new RMX-IGNITE, highlighting the evolving relationship between music technology, creativity and live performance.
The summit also features UNESCO-debate session on the global impact of Grime and UK Hip Hop, featuring the originator and Godfather of Grime Wiley who will debate alongside Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO Black Lives in Music, and celebrations of 30 years of Hospital Records, marking three decades of independent British music innovation.
A further milestone is the launch of Live Comedy Day, delivered in partnership with the Live Comedy Association, hosted at the home of Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, spotlighting comedy’s cultural and economic importance.
Members of the London Night Time Economy Taskforce share recommendations and lessons learned on safety, licensing, inclusion and partnership working, offering transferable insights for cities nationwide.
Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram both emphasise the importance of devolved leadership, culture-led regeneration and protecting grassroots venues, highlighting how cities and regions are increasingly shaping national growth and global reputation.
“This summit shows the full power of the night-time economy, politically, culturally, legally and economically,” said Michael Kill CEO NTIA. “With Angela Rayner headlining and voices from global cities, UNESCO, culture, law and technology all at the table, this is a defining moment for nightlife as we look beyond 2025.”
As discussions continue across Liverpool, one message is unmistakable: the future of the UK , and its cities, will be shaped not only in Parliament, but through culture, creativity and life after dark.
Contact:
For more info contact Nikki McNeill at Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
BAD – Buenos Aires Dance lands in Buenos Aires
February 11-16, 2026 at Usina del Arte in Buenos Aires
www.isbad4you.com
Buenos Aires becomes the cultural hub of electronic music, hosting Latin America’s first comprehensive electronic music event where music, technology, and the future converge in the city.
Buenos Aires Dance (BAD) was born with a bold mission: to inspire, educate and help shape the future of electronic music in Latin America, creating a space for exchange, learning and cultural expression.
From 11th to 13th February, at the iconic The Usina del Arte building, BAD will bring together the electronic music community from the region and beyond, with exclusive events, educational program, networking opportunities and pop-ups plus performances by world-renowned DJs and local stars including Richie Hawtin, Indira Pagnotto, Kevin de Vries and Carlita.
Transforming the city into a living stage for an entire week, BAD creates a complete week of industry immersion, uniting DJs, producers, promoters, managers, labels, bookers, and educators from across the globe. Buenos Aires becomes the cultural hub for electronic music as music, technology, and the future converge in the city just days before the start of ULTRA Buenos Aires on 14th and 15th February at Parque de la Ciudad.
“Buenos Aires has established itself as one of the world’s most important cities for electronic music. With BAD, our goal is to build community, boost careers, professionalise the industry, and position the region on a global scale,” the Buenos Aires Dance organisers stated.
Among the confirmed speakers are Richie Hawtin, an undisputed legend of electronic music and one of the most influential figures in global techno, whose deep and lasting connection with Argentina has made him an iconic figure in the country’s electronic music culture over the past decades, shaping generations of artists and audiences alike; and Indira Paganotto, a leading global psytrance artist, who will share their vision on the present and future of electronic music.
Alongside these icons, international talents such as Carlita, Fran Bortolossi, Kevin de Vries, Kolombo,and Miguel Bastida as well as key figures from the local scene including Jay De Lys, Juan Hansen, Emiliano Demarco, Mariano Mellino, will strengthen the connection between the global scene and the Latin American community. In addition, Victoria Engel, Inda Jani, La Cintia, Lolu Menayed, and Malena Narvay will take part in a special “Women in Music” talk, aligned with the global movement toward gender equity in the industry. Representatives from Ableton, Billboard, Sony Music Entertainment, Spotify, Ultra Records and William Morris Entertainment will also take part in talks and workshops at BAD.
The Usina del Arte provides the perfect setting for an event that connects past, present, and future. The iconic, century-old building known as the “Palace of Light” was originally a historic power plant and today it embodies Buenos Aires’ cultural transformation: from generating electrical power to igniting the creative energy of a new generation.
A Comprehensive Program: More Than an Event - A Platform for Transformation
BAD’s program will bring together three strategic pillars:
1. Talks and workshops with leading local and international figures.
2. Exclusive experiences: pop-ups and activations at key locations across Buenos Aires, premieres, and special benefits at the city’s most important clubs.
3. Global networking: curated spaces designed to foster meaningful connections among industry professionals.
BAD programme schedule:
February 11: BAD – Buenos Aires Dance kicks off - Opening event at Avant Garden.
February 12 & 13: Conferences and workshops at Usina del Arte + pop-ups across different locations in the city
February 14 & 15: ULTRA Buenos Aires at Parque de la Ciudad
For more information, tickets and registration: www.isbad4you.com
YOUROPE releases Weather Toolbox
Heat waves, heavy rain and high winds – extreme weather phenomena are increasingly threatening the livelihood and safety of outdoor events. To give festivals the means to prepare for such incidents, YOUROPE and YES Group have developed the Weather Preparedness & Resilience Toolbox.
Across Europe, storms, heatwaves and enduring rain disrupted a lot of outdoor events during the past years, festivals being no exception. Weather is no longer a background risk; rather, it is now shaping the core of festival planning. The climate is changing, and festivals must change with it. Storms develop faster, gust fronts are stronger, heatwaves are longer, rainfall is more intense and even wildfires are now a feasible threat. Microclimates on festival sites – created by trees, valleys, asphalt or temporary structures – make predictions even harder.
This also leads to pressure from authorities and insurers and rising expectations from the public which must be addressed.
As part of its Future-Fit Festivals (3F) project, the European festival association YOUROPE has developed the 3F Weather Preparedness & Resilience Toolbox, a comprehensive collection and sharing of knowledge, tools and good-practice examples intended to help festivals prepare for, manage, and respond to weather impacts.
What the Toolbox offers
The Weather Toolbox is a modular, expandable knowledge platform. It contains templates, checklists and decision matrices, case studies and good practices, delivered by practitioners and weather experts. On top of a lot of tools aiming at production and planning, it includes learning tools, emergency scenarios to practice, and also material to hand out to the audience.
Topics covered
- Weather Hazard Awareness
- Risk Assessment & Planning
- Monitoring & Early Warning
- Decision-Making & Communication
- On-Site Implementation
- Training & Learning
- Educating the Audience
- Case Studies & Lessons Learned
- Research & Resources
The 3F Weather Preparedness & Resilience Toolbox was developed and curated by the YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group, a network of leading safety professionals from across Europe.
Many of the tools, templates and examples included in this collection come directly from festivals within the YOUROPE network. Others were contributed by practitioners from the wider community, who shared documents, lessons learned, and good-practice approaches developed over years of working in the field.
The result is a toolbox built by the sector for the sector, combining academic insight, operational experience, and the lived reality of festivals facing increasingly unpredictable weather.
Holger Jan Schmidt, YOUROPE General Secretary said: “Climate change is real, and it is not going away. That is a fact – and it is the reality festivals must deal with today. In our pan-European festival promoter surveys, we see weather emerging as an increasingly significant challenge year after year. Regular feedback from the safety community within our YOUROPE Event Safety Group (YES Group) also confirms that weather is the decisive factor in this field.
“Festivals and other outdoor events must prepare for more frequent and more extreme conditions. For this reason, the relevance of what the YES Group has developed with the 'Weather Preparedness & Resilience Toolbox' can hardly be overstated. It is an unprecedented resource, addressing all types of weather – from drought and heavy rainfall to storms – and supporting event organisers in preparing themselves and everyone involved in their events to operate safely and responsibly.”
Check out Toolbox (PDF & online version):
https://yourope.org/weather-toolbox
Download Toolbox PDF:
https://yourope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/weather-prepardness-resilience-toolbox-yourope.pdf
About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of January 2026, YOUROPE counts 136 festivals and associated organizations from 31 European countries among its members. The overall aim of the association is to strengthen and improve the European festival scene as a whole and promoting arts and music while connecting different cultures.
In its working groups, YOUROPE focuses on different topics at the heart of festivals: sustainability, climate action and environmental protection in the GO Group (Green Operations Europe), security and crowded spaces management in the YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group, and mental health & DEI in the WIRE (Wellbeing, Inclusion, Responsibility, Equity) Group.
Further, YOUROPE hosts the biannual European Festival Conference (EFC), publishes the European Festival Report (EFR) after every season and organises the annual European Festival Awards (EFAs).
About YES Group
The YOUROPE Event Safety (YES) Group is working as a think-tank in the field of Event Safety, Security and Crowded Spaces management, influencing and promoting best practices in this field across Europe. It is led and managed by a team of high-profile experts in event safety and crowd management, representing some of the most respected venues and festivals in Europe.
The Group has organised numerous meetings and seminars between Event Safety managers and experts for the past 20 years, to enhance learning and encourage the exchange of experiences in the field.
Finalists Revealed for the 2026 International AGF Awards
A Greener Future (AGF) reveals the finalists – events, venues, and innovators from 14 countries - for the International AGF Awards 2026.
The awards are presented across ten vital sustainability categories – including power, water, food, and travel - with the top accolades of International Greener Festival Award and International Greener Arena Award 2026. The awards celebrate the most innovative and greenest events, venues, and organisations from across the globe over the last 12 months. The ceremony, hosted by artist Madame Gandhi, Ash Perrin (Flying Seagulls Project), and AGF’s CEO Claire O’Neill, will take place on 24th February as the closing event of the Green Events & Innovations Conference, which takes place at the Royal Lancaster London.
“We’re super impressed by the groundbreaking and tireless work that the events community has delivered over the last 12 months. Considering the current global state of affairs, making space for creative and caring communities striving for a better, greener future has never been more welcome and necessary. Congrats to all of this year's participants.” Claire O’Neill, CEO of AGF
The International AGF Awards are sponsored by Skydiamond.
And the finalists are:
INTERNATIONAL GREENER FESTIVAL AWARD
Supported by Earth Positive
Boom Festival (PT)
DGTL (NL)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
INTERNATIONAL GREENER ARENA AWARD
Supported by Universal Pixels
ABBA Voyage (UK)
Ancienne Belgique (BE)
AO Arena (UK)
AsiaWorld-Expo (HK)
Co-op Live (UK)
M&S Bank Arena (UK)
P&J Live (UK)
GREENER TRANSPORT AWARD
Supported by KB Event
DGTL (NL)
Godiva Festival (UK)
Montreux Jazz Festival (CH)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
CIRCULAR EVENT AWARD (for reduced waste & resourcefulness)
DGTL (NL)
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Estonian Fashion Festival (EE)
Festival Cordillera (CO)
LIDO Festival (UK)
COMMUNITY ACTION AWARD
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Green Man (UK)
Sonidos Líquidos (ES)
Ultra Festival (US)
We Out Here (UK)
GREENER CATERING AWARD
Supported by Peppermint Bars & Events
Copenhagen Film Festival Forum (DK)
DGTL (NL)
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
PIED PIPER AWARD (for greener communication)
Boom Festival (PT)
Cridem pel Clima (ES)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Phe Festival (ES)
Sonidos Líquidos (ES)
GREENER POWER AWARD
Supported by GeoPura
DGTL (NL)
LIDO Festival (UK)
Montreux Jazz Festival (CH)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
WATER AND SANITATION AWARD
Boom Festival (PT)
DGTL (NL)
Green Man (UK)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
GREENER INNOVATIONS AWARD
Supported by L-Acoustics
GeoPura Hydrogen-powered Main Stage @ American Express presents BST Hyde Park (UK)
Leave No Tent @ Sziget (HU)
NaviLens @ Vestrock (NL)
The Walking Route @ Co-op Live (UK)
100% eHGV European Tour @ Sam Fender (UK)
Homemade Airing Cupboard @ Ancienne Belgique (BE)
Last year, one of the top accolades, the International Greener Festival Award 2025, was presented to Norway's Øyafestivalen, who also scooped the Greener Transport Award, with other winning festivals and venues from India, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary. Find out the winners of 2026 at the International AGF Awards during GEI18
Sponsored by Skydiamond, the International AGF Awards is an accessible event that takes place during GEI, organised by AGF in partnership with ILMC (International Live Music Conference). A limited number of tickets are still available here.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Archive & Joycut Announce Usa & Canada Co-Headline Tour
Acclaimed South London collective ARCHIVE and Italian, Bologna-based sound explorers JOYCUT announce a co-headline tour that will unite the two bands for a run of 9 dates across Canada and the USA in 2026.
The tour begins in Montreal on 23 April at the Beanfield Theatre, before heading to Toronto, Boston, New York and Chicago. The tour then heads to the US west coast for dates in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, before culminating in Los Angeles at the Lodge Room on 11 May.
The tour brings together two bands that share a common ambition to push musical boundaries and innovate – a meeting of kindred spirits and a cohesive package with a story to tell.
Despite Archive’s arena status in Europe the tour represents the band’s first visit to North America – speaking about the upcoming tour Archive founding member Darius Keeler said, “we’re just so happy and excited to finally have the chance to play live for our fans in North America, it’s been a long, long wait for them. And for us! It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for the longest time, I think it’s going to be very special.”
JOYCUT have built a long-standing relationship with North American audiences through extensive touring and media support, most recently highlighted by a featured in-studio session at KEXP.“For us, playing has always meant connecting with people, in a gentle and protective collective embrace. Music is too powerful not to be lived viscerally together. It can tear you open, but it makes us feel alive, and it never lies. Returning now, especially now, alongside ARCHIVE, with whom we share a deep sense of humanity and respect, feels like the most natural way to do it.”
ARCHIVE and JOYCUT 2026 Co-Headline Tour Dates
Thu, 23 April – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
Fri, 24 April – Toronto, ON – Great Hall
Sun, 26 April – Boston, MA – Sonia
Tue, 28 April – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Thu, 30 April – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Tue, 5 May – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Thu, 7 May – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
Sun, 10 May – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Mon, 11 May – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
Get tickets here: https://archive.ffm.to/usca-dates
About JOYCUT:
JOYCUT is a creative music outpost, never afraid to follow unconventional paths. Formed in Bologna, Italy, and devoted to long-form sound research and exploration, the band has developed a language built around dual tribal and industrial drumming, electronic architectures, orchestral saturations and immersive dynamics, shaped by a cosmic blue sonic identity and extended instrumental compositions.
Sound remains central and uncompromised. From this position, their practice engages deeply with themes of the Anthropocene, the vulnerability of nature, animal farming and the erosion of human values.
Their latest album, TheBluWave (2022), stands as a clear and monumental body of work devoted to the climate emergency, the melting of glaciers and the fragility of humankind — seeking love as a response to fear. This independent, research-driven approach has led JOYCUT to present works in major international cultural contexts, including the debut of the six-act opera KOMOREBI at the Biennale di Venezia, conceived as a soundtrack tribute to Japan.
In 2023, the project expanded further with Wall Of Humanity, premiered in a sold-out performance with a 50-piece philharmonic orchestra, where sound, image and narrative converged to explore collective responsibility and the fragility of human ethics.
JOYCUT were personally invited by Robert Smith to perform as headliners at the Meltdown Festival in London — an experience documented in the award-winning film “One Step Closer To The Moon”. They were later selected by Brian Eno to contribute to the EarthPercent project with the track The Plastic Whale. More recently, in June 2025, JOYCUT contributed the remix Drone:NoDrone to Mixes of a Lost World, a project curated by Robert Smith featuring reinterpretations of The Cure’s latest album.
About Archive:
Archive is a South London-based musical collective renowned for their cinematic soundscapes, genre-defying evolution, and uncompromising artistic vision. Formed in 1994 by Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths — the band debuted with the critically acclaimed Londinium in 1996, blending trip-hop, rap, and orchestral textures. Over the next two decades, Archive became known for reinventing their sound with each album, incorporating elements of progressive rock, electronica, soul, and post-rock. Following widespread success in Europe, Archive composed the soundtrack to Luc Besson’s Michel Vaillant and cemented their reputation with their album Noise, which propelled them to stardom across the continent. After shifting to a flexible, collective lineup, they released Lights and the politically charged Controlling Crowds series showcasing their lyrical depth and genre versatility. Their later works With Us Until You’re Dead, Axiom, Restriction and The False Foundation, pushed creative boundaries further, with Axiom even spawning a dystopian film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in London.
Upcoming album, Glass Minds – released 27 Feb through PIAS Recordings in North America, is a sonic and emotional odyssey through electronics, motorik rock, subtle dance grooves and beautifully heartfelt songwriting. As with so many of their albums, it sounds different from its predecessors and yet is somehow recognisably, inimitably Archive.
Talking about the newly released City Walls single, taken from the forthcoming album, Keeler says “City Walls is a hauntingly beautiful song with a 'stop you in your tracks’ vocal from Pollard Berrier, and the video that accompanies it is a truly stunning piece of art in its own right”.
Check out the Maxim Kelly directed video for City Walls
Previous singles taken from the forthcoming Glass Minds album, Look At Us and Wake Up Strange are also accompanied by videos directed by Maxim Kelly.
Chris Packham & David Gray Join Green Events & Innovations Conference 2026
The Green Events and Innovations Conference (GEI) is happy to reveal that more environmentalists and thought leaders have signed up for what is becoming a truly star-studded 18th edition of the event.
GEI18 welcomes conservationist and broadcaster Chris Packham CBE, and Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers F.C., who will share details of an important collaboration project, and we’ll find out why Chris has become the chief ecologist for Ecotalk. Later, Vince returns with Dan Lambert, manager of hip-hop trio Kneecap and COO of Bohemian F.C., to discuss their experiences of navigating cancel culture and boycotts in Cancel Me, Cancel You.
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter David Gray will join the prestigious EarthPercent Hour, hosted by the charity's CEO Cathy Runciman, to discuss unleashing the power of music in service of the planet – the core purpose of the charity founded by Brian Eno.
Riders on the Storm: Extreme and the New Norm welcomes Dr Mohammed Shamsudduha, professor of Water Crisis and Risk Reduction at UCL Risk & Disaster Reduction, joining fellow lead author of IPCC reports, and advisor to the Climate Change Committee Professor Richard Betts MBE, alongside festival and sporting event experts. Together this expert panel examines what the latest trends mean, what’s coming next, and how these relate to operational adaptations at events, hosted by Claire Poole of Sport Positive.
Other speakers include Ash Perrin, who brings laughter and play to children in refugee camps through the Flying Seagulls Project; augmented reality and digital artist Doddz; writer/director of critically acclaimed pop musical Hot Mess, Ellie Coote, who will demonstrate art’s unparalleled ability to reach people’s hearts and minds; and musical artists Katarina Barruk and Madame Gandhi.
Rounding off GEI18 will be the International AGF Awards, sponsored by Skydiamond, where AGF celebrate the most innovative and greenest events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe over the last 12 months.
GEI18 is set to be another jam-packed edition. Previously announced sessions include AI & Sustainability, Beyond the Burger Van, and A Greener Tour – Round VI. The final programme will be announced soon.
GEI is the conference for event sustainability. The 2026 edition will take place 24 February at the Royal Lancaster London. A partnership between green event pioneers A Greener Future (AGF) and the world’s leading platform for the live music and entertainment sector, the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).
GEI18 is sponsored by Ecotricity Business, TAIT, AEG & The O2.
More information and tickets at agreenerfuture.com.
About AGF
AGF is a not-for-profit company committed to helping the events sector towards sustainability worldwide. AGF provides certification, education & training, consultancy, sustainable event management, and facilitates the exchange and implementation of good ideas. They share best practice for greener events, and how to not only prevent damage but actually enhance the environment. AGF provides independent assessment and verification of sustainability claims through the AGF Certification for festivals, venues, events and suppliers, sustainability diagnosis and detailed carbon footprinting. More info: www.agreenerfuture.com
About ILMC
Attracting 1,700+ of the world’s top live music professionals from over 40 countries annually, the International Live Music Conference has been the foremost meeting place for live music professionals worldwide for nearly 40 years. In addition to its main conference, ILMC also produces Futures Forum, Touring Entertainment LIVE, and the International Festival Forum. More info: https://ilmc.com/
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Sold Out Anniversary Edition - ESNS Celebrates The European And Dutch Music Sector
The 40th edition of ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) – the leading showcase festival for emerging European music – concluded last night with an impressive line-up of Dutch talent at Noorderslag. Over 300 European acts from 39 countries played for an audience of approximately 40,000 enthusiastic fans, 4,000 of whom were professionals, from all corners of the globe. ESNS 2026 is completely sold out, with 7000 festival tickets and 4000 Delegate Passes. That amounts to more than 25,000 paid visits to the festival and conference.
Festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag
On Wednesday evening, January 14th, the festival was kicked off spectacularly by Dutch Queen Máxima and managing director Anna van Nunen, after which Eurosonic immediately started in the venues inside De Oosterpoort. On Thursday, January 15th, and Friday, January 16th, Eurosonic took the entire city centre of Groningen by storm, with emerging European acts showcasing their talent across 18 stages to thousands of music lovers and industry professionals. On Saturday, January 17th, the ESNS Conference gave way to Noorderslag, where the best emerging and established artists from the Netherlands were showcased at De Oosterpoort.
The Popprijs, awarded annually during Noorderslag, was won by Suzan & Freek. The Popprijs is awarded to the band or artist who has made the most significant contribution to Dutch pop music in the past year.
Conference
The ESNS Conference was attended by over 4,000 music professionals from all over the world. More than 520 speakers participated in panel discussions, workshops, and keynotes on a wide range of thought-provoking and current topics. Under the overarching theme of Europe Calling, ESNS reflects on a successful anniversary edition. For four days, Groningen became the centre of the European music sector.
Awards
At ESNS 2026, prestigious awards were once again presented across the European music industry. This year, the annual Music Moves Europe (MME) Awards went to Sofie Royer (Austria), Camille Yembe (Belgium), Sarah Julia (Netherlands), Della (Cyprus), and Carpetman (Ukraine). Lia Kali (Spain) took home both the Grand Jury Award and the Public Choice Award. The European Festival Awards, the IJzeren Podiumdieren, the Pop Media Prijs, and the Pop Stipendium were also presented this year.
ESNS 2027
Early bird sales for Delegate Passes begin on January 30, 2026. Artists can apply to play at the showcase festival starting March 1.
About ESNS
ESNS is Europe’s leading platform showcasing emerging European music talent. Every January, Groningen (NL) hosts the ESNS festival and conference, connecting fresh artists with fans and industry professionals. The final day is dedicated to Noorderslag, the benchmark for Dutch pop music since 1986.
Year-round, ESNS supports new talent through initiatives like the European Talent Exchange and presents major awards including the Music Moves Europe Awards, the European Festival Awards, and the Dutch Popprijs. It partners with key organisations and alliances such as Yourope, EBU, and Green Deal Circular Festivals to foster a diverse, sustainable music scene.
Since 1986, ESNS has helped launch careers of artists like AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Altin Gün, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Zaho de Sagazan, Fat Dog, Judeline, Luvcat, Boko Yout, Antony Szmierek, Kingfishr, Sylvie Kreusch, Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Europe's Next Big Sounds: The Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 Winners Revealed
EUROPE’S NEXT BIG SOUNDS:THE MUSIC MOVES EUROPE AWARDS 2026 WINNERS REVEALED
The Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 proudly announce this year’s winners, celebrating the most exciting and forward-thinking emerging artists from across Europe. Representing bold creativity, musical innovation and cultural diversity, the MME Awards winners reflect the vibrant future of Europe’s music scene and its growing global impact.
The winners of the Music Moves Europe Awards (MME Awards) were officially unveiled during a festive awards ceremony at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in Groningen, the Netherlands, on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The evening marked a defining moment for Europe’s next generation of musical talent; Camille Yembe (Belgium), Carpetman (Ukraine), Della (Cyprus), Sarah Julia (Netherlands) and Sofie Royer (Austria) are the winners of an MME Award. The prestigious Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Lia Kali (Spain). And Lia Kali also received the MME Public Choice Award, as chosen by music fans across Europe and beyond.
“Europe’s music scene continues to thrive through its diversity, creativity and bold artistic voices. The Music Moves Europe Awards celebrate the artists who are shaping the future sound of our continent and taking it beyond Europe’s borders. I warmly congratulate all the winners on this outstanding achievement. I am sure that their sounds will reverberate throughout Europe.”
Glenn Micallef - European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport
European Union Prize
Co-funded by the European Commission’s flagship Creative Europe programme, the MME Awards are the European Union’s prestigious prize celebrating the continent’s most exciting emerging artists, the ones shaping the sound of Europe today and tomorrow. Designed to support international careers, the MME Awards have spotlighted some of Europe’s most influential breakthrough acts over the past 22 years, including Judeline, Zaho de Sagazan, Stromae, Alyona Alyona, ROSALÍA, Meduza, Dua Lipa, Night Tapes, Fontaines D.C. and Christine and the Queens. Each winner reflects the diversity, creativity and bold innovation driving Europe’s thriving music scene.
Public Choice Award
The MME Public Choice Award 2026 was decided by music fans across Europe, who voted for their favourite emerging artist via the official MME Awards website. This award highlights the strong connection between Europe’s audiences and its next generation of musical talent.
Prize Package
The winners were selected by an international jury consisting of Jess Iszatt (presenter, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing), Filip Košťálek (music programmer at Colours of Ostrava), Kenza Naaïmi El Fezzazi (French-Moroccan music journalist for Red Bulletin and FIP), Annika Walsh (Head of International Music Strategy at Spotify) and Judeline (MME Public Choice Award 2025 winner).
In total, seven awards were presented: five MME Awards, one Grand Jury Prize and one Public Choice Award. Each MME Award winner receives €10,000. The Grand Jury Prize winner also receives an additional €5,000 green touring voucher. The MME Public Choice Award winner receives €5,000.
Taking the stage at ESNS
All 15 nominated artists performed at ESNS, Europe’s leading music showcase festival and conference, in Groningen, the Netherlands. They also took part in the MME Education Programme, which provides insights and best practices from across the music industry.
The programme is organised by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival in collaboration with the MME Awards partners: Liveurope, Yourope, Live DMA, IMPALA, Digital Music Europe, ICMP-CIEM, International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) and European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE).
The Music Moves Europe Awards are a cornerstone of the European Union’s commitment to supporting and promoting the European music sector. By empowering both emerging artists and industry professionals, the MME Awards foster a united, diverse and future-facing European music scene. Presented annually during ESNS, the awards aim to accelerate the international careers of Europe’s most promising musical talents.
Contact
Nikki McNeill: nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Marloes Leeuw: marloes.leeuw@esns.nl
Download: press kit
Winners of the European Festival Awards 2025
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories, not counting the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here are all winners of the European Festival Awards 2025.
The Take a Stand Award
Presented by: Take A Stand
Sziget Festival (Hungary)
Line-Up of the Year
Presented by: IQ Magazine
Lowlands (The Netherlands)
The Event Safety Award
Presented by: Citymesh & YES Group
Rock for People (Czech Republic)
Agent of the Year
Steve Zapp (ITB)
Best Small Festival
Dynamo Metalfest (The Netherlands)
Newcomer of the Year
Presented by: ESNS
Addison Rae (USA)
The Brand Activation Award
Pinkpop with Libresse (The Netherlands)
Best Medium-Sized Festival
Presented by: Access All Areas
Pohoda Festival (Slovakia)
The Green Operations Award
Presented by: GO Group
Štěrkovna Open Music (Czech Republic)
Best Major Festival
Presented by: Eventim
Paléo Festival Nyon (Switzerland)
The Award for Excellence & Passion
Stephan Thanscheidt, FKP Scorpio (Germany)
Promoter of the Year
presented by: Pollstar
Exit Festival (Serbia)
New Kid on the Block
Kristína Mlynárová, Pohoda Festival (Slovakia)
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Ewald Tatar (Austria)
The awards ceremony took place on the opening night of ESNS, in Groningen, The Netherlands and was hosted by IQ journalist, Lisa Henderson and A Greener Future CEO Claire O’Neill.
The European Festival Awards team would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those who participated in and attended the European Festival Awards 2025. A special thank you to their presenting partner Eventim, the European Union for the support via YOUROPE’s 3F project, ESNS, Citymesh and media partners IQ Magazine, Pollstar and Access all Areas as well as all of the European Festival Awards partners including all supporters and members of the jury.
See you next year for the Awards 16th edition!
Contact
Nikki McNeill at Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
AGF Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals
Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025.
A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to help the event sector become greener, promoting sustainability at events and festivals across the globe. AGF Certification is based on the world's first and most practical framework for sustainability in the event sector, for those reducing emissions, waste, and enhancing equality and biodiversity.
Events and festivals of all shapes and sizes demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in 2025. These include perennially green fests such as Boom Festival in Portugal and Belgium’s Paradise City - both of which have stitched sustainability into their DNA. Echoes of Earth in India returns with a bang. Whilst events enjoying first-time recognition include the beyond legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and AEG Presents’ brand-new LIDO Festival in London, whose battery powered main stage hosted headliners such as Massive Attack and Charlie xcx.
To be certified, events undertake a thorough assessment including a self-assessment, site visits from independent assessors, and post-event evidence submitted for an independent auditors’ report. The AGF Framework includes 11 key themes, including local environments & community, travel, food, energy, water, materials, EDI, and governance.
“Congratulations to all of the certified events in 2025, who have continued to prioritise their commitment to protecting our planet and each other, despite some so called world leaders demonstrating the opposite intentions. We’re looking forward to coming together and celebrating at GEI and the International AGF Awards in London next month.” Claire O’Neill, CEO, AGF
"The AGF certification played a decisive role in accelerating and structuring our sustainability journey. While the Montreux Jazz Festival had already implemented various initiatives – from waste management to soft mobility and responsible partnerships – these efforts remained fragmented. The certification process came at a pivotal moment, just as we were beginning a more holistic reflection on our environmental, social, and economic impact. It enabled us to align our internal objectives around a shared vision of sustainability, build a clear and measurable roadmap, foster collaborations with committed experts and local partners, and strengthen our credibility with our stakeholders.” Mathieu Jaton, Director, Montreux Jazz Festival
“We're thrilled to see the industry-leading efforts of LIDO Festival recognised by this prestigious AGF certification. Having independent verification of the outstanding work that the team undertook in 2025 is hugely important and we cannot wait to continue setting a new standard for sustainability in live events through 2026 and beyond.” Sam Booth, Sustainability Director, AEG / LIDO Festival
“It was an honour to finally participate in AGF’s certification programme, something we’ve aspired to do for years! The process challenged us to ask meaningful questions, recognise the impact we’ve made, and identify how we can continue to grow. We’re so proud to have achieved certification from this globally respected organisation and excited to continue participating in the programme in the future.” Vivian Belzaguy, Director of Sustainability, Ultra Music Festival
“Paradise City has always been about more than just music. It’s about building a world - even if only for a weekend - that feels hopeful, positive, and future-minded. Being rated ‘Outstanding’ for the sixth year in a row is both an honour and a responsibility. It reminds us that joyful celebration and climate consciousness can go hand in hand. Every year, we ask ourselves the same question: how can we do better? And with every solution we find, new opportunities for improvement appear too. That constant pursuit of better drives us, and we don’t take our role lightly. If we can set an example for what a sustainable festival can look like, then we’re on the right track." Lucas Trouessin, Paradise City
Certified Festivals & Events in 2025:
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Outstanding
Boom Festival (PT)
DGTL (NL)
Øyafestivalen (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Highly Commended
Green Man (UK)
LIDO Festival (UK)
Montreux Jazz Festival (CH)
Sonidos Líquidos (ES)
Greener Festival & Event certifications – Commended
Copenhagen Film Festival Forum (DK)
Cridem pel Clima (ES)
Echoes of Earth (IN)
Estonian Fashion Festival (EE)
Godiva Festival (UK)
Greener Festival and Event certifications – Improvers
Cordillera Festival (CO)
D'A Festival Cinema Barcelona (ES)
elrow Town Madrid (ES)
Jardín de las Delicias (ES)
Monegros Desert Festival (ES)
Phe Festival (ES)
Primavera Sound Barcelona (ES)
Rockygrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (US)
Serielizados International TV Series Festival (ES)
Telluride Bluegrass Festival (US)
Ultra Music Festival (US)
We Out Here (UK)
Certified events and festivals will be presented with their accolades during a special ceremony at the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI18), in partnership with ILMC, which takes place 24th February in London.
All certified events are also automatically nominated for the annual International AGF Awards 2026, sponsored by Skydiamond, which recognise the most innovative and green-aspiring events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe in the last 12 months.
There are more festivals and events currently completing their assessments, which will be announced soon, and assessment applications for 2026 are open. Find out more and apply here.
About AGF Certifications
AGF Certification have been developed over 18 years in consultation with hundreds of events, event services, suppliers, and sustainability experts across the key areas assessed. Each application involves a detailed self-assessment, on-site independent audit, post-event supporting evidence analysis, and improvement recommendations. The assessment includes 11 categories: Governance & Systems, Local Environments, Local Community, Travel & Transport, Energy & Power, Procurement, Food & Beverage, Waste & Recycling, Water & Sanitation, External Reach & Behaviour Change, and Carbon Footprint.
To be awarded AGF Certification, events must apply for an assessment and provide evidence, such as fuel or electricity and water usage, waste transfer notes, transport measurements, procurements policies and traceability, and survey data. Applicants also need to address set requirements, and based on their performance against these, can be given the following grades: Improver, Commended, Highly Commended, and Outstanding. Assessments are completed by trained sustainable event auditors and recommendations are made for improvements year on year. https://www.agreenerfuture.com/
About A Greener Future
AGF is a not-for-profit company committed to helping events, festivals, and venues around the world towards sustainability. AGF provides certification, education and training, consultancy, resources and green riders, facilitating the exchange and implementation of good ideas. They share information about how environmentally efficient methods are currently being employed at events and how the impact on the environment can be limited at future events. They offer independent assessment and verification of sustainability claims through the AGF Certification for festivals, venues, tours, and events; plus sustainability diagnosis and detailed carbon footprinting. www.agreenerfuture.com
About GEI
GEI is the foremost conference for sustainability for the events sector organised in partnership with the worlds leading platform for the live music and entertainment sector, the International Live Music Summit (ILMC) www.agreenerfuture.com/gei
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk