A Greener Future Nominated for Prestigious Music Cities Awards 2026
A Greener Future (AGF) are happy to be nominated in the 2026 Music Cities Awards, the most consolidated global competition that rewards outstanding projects using music to improve cities.
AGF are nominated in the Music & Climate Action category alongside MIT Climate Machine ((USA) and United Nations Accelerator City, Liverpool City Council (UK)
Claire O'Neill, CEO & Co Founder said:
“Cities and events working together for climate action is crucial. Our core purpose for 20 years has been protecting the environment through music events, so we’re very happy to be nominated for the Music and Climate Action award. We were also closely involved with UN Accelerator City alongside Massive Attack’s Act1.5, Liverpool City, and Ecotricity, so we know we’re in excellent company on this nominee list. Thank you to Music Cities for the honour, and congratulations to all of the nominees.”
Now in its 6th year, the Awards continue to spotlight the organizations, public bodies, cultural leaders, and artists who are redefining how music can drive social, economic, and cultural impact around the world.
Past year’s winners include: City of Music Leipzig (Germany), Fundación Music for All (Spain), United World Shine (Nepal), Queensland Music Festival (Australia), Playing For Change Foundation (Guatemala), Joudour Sahara (Morocco), Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuba), Monte Olimpa (Colombia), Jazzy Business Consulting (Japan), Red Dirt Relief Fund (USA), Fever (Global).
The 2026 edition received 222 applications across 9 categories, representing 50 countries from 6 continents, including city governments, non-profits, music start-ups, and individual leaders.
The winners of the contest will be announced on 11 June during the Awards Ceremony at Hull Music Cities Convention 2026 in Kingston upon Hull, UK, presented by the hosting partner Hull City Council and supported by Visit Britain, Visit Hull and Hull Coty of Music.
The Music Cities Awards is a living database of the most exciting and impactful projects using music’s transformational power across the world to drive tourism, improve health, help the youth, transform old buildings into cultural hubs and much more. To see the full list of nominated projects visit: https://www.musiccitiesevents.com/2026-nominees
AGF’s Dr Teresa Moore will also be speaking at the Music Cities Convention, Taking place in Kingston upon Hull from 9–11 June 2026. The Convention will bring together hundreds of national and international delegates and more than 30 executive speakers working across government, industry, planning and investment. The 2026 programme centres on implementation - how cities move from ambition to action - with sessions designed to share practical frameworks, case studies and replicable policy tools.
More information and tickets:
https://www.musiccitiesevents.com/hull
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Get Your Music Signed at Brighton Music Conference A&R Sessions
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event, reveal the first 20 leading A&R professionals in the electronic music scene confirmed to join the ‘A&R Sessions’ at BMC26.
Taking place from 20th to 23rd May 2026, the award-winning event will once again take over some of Brighton’s best-loved seafront venues set against the backdrop of Brighton beach and the iconic pier, with a packed programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.
A&R is an important part of electronic dance music. So many tracks are produced and released every week that there has to be some sort of filtering process. Somebody needs to look for the new talent, nurture it, mentor budding up and coming artists, give feedback on tunes, help a new young producer with their productions.
The A&R Sessions at BMC have been especially designed to address this and support new talent. Headed up by prolific Brighton-based DJ and music producer Steve Mac, a wide variety of labels covering different genres have been lined up to give immediate feedback on productions in one-to-one meetings with leading A&Rs in the electronic music industry. It’s the place where artists make valuable connections, meet labels face to face and bring their demos to have some of the most discerning ears in the industry listen to them.
“We love supporting the next generation of talent and helping them on their career journey.” says BMC founder Billy Mauseth. “We have an amazing line up of experts that will be on hand to give quality feedback on artists productions and they might even get signed.’
Confirmed labels and A&R professionals Include; Axtone, Beatport, Bedfunk, Curious Energy Records, Elemental Music, Freakin 909, Helix Records, House Heads, Inflyte,
Krafted, Music to Die For, Paharas Musica, Prime Direct Distribution, R&S Records, Red Giant, Seledor, Sleazy Deep, Toolroom Records, Yorokobi Sounds. more labels TBA.
The ‘A&R Sessions’ will take place on Thursday 22nd May at The Tempest on Brighton’s beachfront, just a short walk from the main BMC Hub at Players. Last year was a sell-out success, with a high quality of music being submitted and several signings during the event. The one-to-one sessions will be booked on a first come first served basis. Limited spaces available, book your tickets now here.
In the UK, BMC is the place to keep up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices, build and grow your network, make new connections, and immerse yourself in all things related to the electronic music scene and culture
Priding itself on being one of the most welcoming and friendly music industry events to attend, BMC is a hub for the next generation of talent in electronic music with an affordable ticket price. More to be announced soon.
BMC - Where Beats Means Business
More info on BMC here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/
BMC Tickets
Earlybird tickets are on sale now for £175 + b/f
https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/buy-tickets/
About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's leading electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector. BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts.
BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.
BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.
Contact:
NIkki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music PR | Event PR | Festival PR
Music Ambassadors Tour 2025: From Destroyed Music Schools to Cultural Revival in Wartime Ukraine
In December 2025, the Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) completed the third edition of Music Ambassadors Tour, bringing 10 music industry professionals from 9 countries to Ukraine for a four-day journey through Kyiv, northern Ukraine, and de-occupied territories in the south.
The project was created to give international festival directors, bookers, music managers and cultural professionals a direct understanding of how Ukrainian culture continues to function, adapt and rebuild under full-scale war. This year’s edition has now been followed by the release of a documentary film capturing the delegation’s journey and experience. Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/2uql_ywA4Jo
The tour began in Kyiv, where participants were introduced to the contrast that defines daily life in the capital: Christmas lights and public squares standing alongside memorials to fallen defenders, destroyed Russian military equipment, and the constant reality of blackouts and rumbling generators.
From there, the delegation travelled north to Chernihiv, where they visited Fabrychna 12, the cultural space developed by Nata Zhyzhchenko (ONUKA) and Yevhen Filatov (The Maneken). There, participants encountered a model of living cultural continuity: traditional Ukrainian instrument-making being reinterpreted through contemporary artistic practice and digitalized production. At the Peremoha Centre, they saw 3D-printed sopilka and ocarina models based on traditional designs — not as a technological gimmick, but as a practical way to preserve and transmit musical heritage.
The most difficult part of the route took place in the south of Ukraine, in Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, where the guests visited destroyed arts schools and frontline-affected communities.
In Velyka Oleksandrivka, the arts school building was destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile after de-occupation, having previously been used by Russian forces during the settlement’s occupation. Despite studying remotely, students prepared a small concert for the visitors — a moment many participants described as one of the most powerful experiences of the entire tour.
In Davydiv Brid, a village that was on the frontline in 2022, not a single building remains intact. In Snihurivka, the local arts school continues to operate from an unsafe, inadequate building after losing its original premises. These visits made visible what is often missing from international coverage: the destruction of cultural and educational infrastructure is not only an attack on buildings but also on continuity, identity, and the future of communities.
“Until you come here, you don’t really understand the scale of the destruction, the courage of the people, and how resilient they are. I want to take this experience back with me.” — Pavla Slívová, Head of Booking & Artist Liaison, Colours of Ostrava
“This is a completely different experience from watching it on TV and standing inside a building destroyed by a missile. What struck me most was how people in small towns and villages still come together and somehow keep hope alive.” - Robbie Tolson, Founder, Turn The Tables
The tour concluded in Kyiv with a public event bringing together the international guests and the Ukrainian music community. Discussions focused on the role of music during crisis: as a force for unity, as a response to populism and division, and as a tool for recovery, inclusion and long-term resilience.
Particular attention was given to practical initiatives already working inside Ukraine, including EnterDJ, a project using DJing as a form of emotional support and rehabilitation for veterans and war-affected communities.
“What Russia is doing to theatres, schools and cultural centres has nothing to do with war. It is terrorism.” - Mikko Niemelä, CEO and promoter of Ruisrock Festival, YOUROPE board member
“What shocked me most was how much the world still does not see. I discovered many things I had never heard about before, which means that many of these stories are still not reaching international audiences.” - Ivan Milivojev, Co-founder of EXIT Festival, YOUROPE honorary member, and ESNS Exchange Ambassador
For UAME, the aim of Music Ambassadors Tour is not simply to host international guests in Ukraine, but to create long-term advocates who will carry this experience back to their festivals, institutions, media platforms and professional networks across Europe.
“This tour cannot be reduced to a programme of visits. What matters to us is that people do not simply see Ukraine, but carry this experience back into their own countries, events and professional environments.” - UAME | Music Saves Ukraine.
The newly released documentary film extends that mission beyond the four days of the tour, making the experience visible to wider international audiences.
This project is produced by Ukrainian Association of Music Events with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine - a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden.
About UAME / Music Saves Ukraine
UAME (Ukrainian Association of Music Events) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2019 in Kyiv by music industry professionals. The organisation works to develop Ukraine’s live music sector, support artists and cultural initiatives, and strengthen the international presence of Ukrainian music. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, UAME has expanded its work to focus on cultural resilience, international advocacy, and building long-term partnerships between Ukrainian and European music communities.
Music Saves Ukraine is a charitable initiative launched by UAME on March 1, 2022, in response to the war. It brings together the international music community to support Ukraine through fundraising, cultural projects, and sustainable partnerships.To date, nearly 100 music events across Europe — from industry conferences to major festivals — have supported Music Saves Ukraine. This support has enabled the implementation of humanitarian and cultural projects, the restoration of cultural infrastructure, and the support of music education in frontline and war-affected regions.
Brighton Music Conference Announce First 100 Names For 2026 Edition
Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event reveals the first wave of speakers for its 2026 edition. Taking place from 20th to 23rd May 2026, the award-winning event will once again take over some of Brighton’s best-loved seafront venues set against the backdrop of Brighton beach and the iconic pier, with a packed programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.
First speakers & artists confirmed include; Anja Schneider, Anne Savage, Arielle Free, Beardyman, Booker T, Carly Wilford, Dave Seaman, Huxley, Jess Bays, Judge Jules, Judy Griffith (fabric), Just Her, Jumpin Jack Frost, Kenny Dope (Masters At Work), Matt Jam Lamont, Phil Hartnoll (ORBITAL), Ralf Kollmann (mobilee), Robert Luis, Saytek, Scott Diaz, Ski Oakenfull, Simon Dunmore, Tom Middleton, Wideboys, Wildblood & Queenie and many more.
Plus partners including; 1BTN, ACS Custom, AFEM, Armada Music, Anderson Acoustics, AlphaTheta, Beatport, Berlin:Brighton, Dance Wicked, Hospital Records, Kiffix, Mobilee Records, NTIA, pointblank, RightsHub, Selador Recordings, Select Radio, shesaid.so, SIZE, Skiddle, Technics, Tru Thoughts, UniteVerse, Xelon.
“BMC prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and friendly music industry events to attend with an affordable ticket price.” says BMC founder Billy Mauseth. “Last year we also supported more independent venues and provided an expanded conference programme offering more value for attendees. We always work hard to create a space where everyone can come together to learn, be inspired, network and enjoy amazing music and DJ sets.”
In the UK, BMC is the place to keep up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices, build and grow your network, make new connections, and immerse yourself in all things related to the electronic music scene and culture.
The workshop theatre returns in conjunction with pointblank at Players, featuring in depth educational workshops covering practical topics such as Social Media, Track Production, Vocal Production, DJ Tips & Tricks, Immersive Audio with sessions being led by Beardyman, Grahame Farmer, Huxley, Saytek, Ski Oakenfull, AlphaTheta, Loopmaters and Technics to name a few.
After the successful launch of the new well-being programme last year, BMC will once again have a dedicated space to discuss important topics such as Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, Neurodiversity, Mental Health, Parenting & Djing and much more with Yoga and Soundbaths to start each day. Supported by Anderson Acoustics, the well-being theatre will be hosted at one of Brighton’s best-loved seafront venues the Tempest with speakers including; Anne Savage (DJ, PhD Researcher), Emma Cordell (Downtown), Finlay Johnson (AFEM), Jumpin Jack Frost, Just Her (Crosstown Rebels/LNOE), Phil Hartnoll (ORBITAL), Sally Freeman (Eat Sleep Rave Relax) and Tom Middleton.
The DJ producer theatre at Horizon, will cover a wide range of topics including; Artist Development, Vocals, Writing Camps, Representation, DIY, Radio, Getting Signed,Podcasts and a Selador Recordings Q&A with Dave Seaman & Steve Parry. Plus the ever-popular DJ, Producer and Promoter Q&A’s and a special session to celebrate 30 Years Of Hospital Records. Speakers include; Anja Schneider, Arielle Free (BBC Radio 1), Chris Goss (Hospital Records), Matt Jam Lamont, Scott Diaz, Seamus Haji (Big Love), Seb Fowkes (Concorde2), Simon Dunmore and Yulia Niko (Beatport Music Curator).
Theatre 4, in collaboration with Skiddle, will take place at The Carousel, covering music industry and business topics such as Label Contracts, Publishing Deals, Sync, Music Rights, PR, Label Q&A, Ticketing, AI, LGBTQ+, the Annual Beatport Hour and much more. Industry professionals sharing their knowledge across the two days include; Aly Gillani (Bandcamp), Dean Marsh (Creative Law), Emile Birks (Beatport), Gemma Farrington (Sentric), Jules O’Riordan AKA Judge Jules, Judy Griffith (fabric), Robert Luis (Tru Thoughts), Shamus Damani (Defected) and Trina Smith (Sourcery Collective).
First 100 Speakers:
Abbie Humphries (Tileyard), Abi Flynn, Abi Lemon (The Brilliance Effect), Aly Gillani (Bandcamp), Andy Melchior (Genotone Ltd / Massive Attack / Björk's producer), Anja Schneider, Anne Savage (DJ, PhD Researcher), Antonia Lucas, Arielle Free (BBC Radio 1), Ashley Howard (PRS), Ben Gill (Block Events), Ben Malone (Armada Music), Bizzle Osikoya (The Plug), Bobbie Johnson, Booker T, Carly Wilford, Ceylon (Hospital Records), Charlotte De Vega (Material Music), Cherub Sanson (Sound Healer), Chris Carey (FFWD), Chris Goss (Hospital Records), Christabel Heasman-Cossins, Danny J Lewis, Dean Marsh (Creative Law), Dave Seaman (Selador / Brothers in Rhythm) DJ MJ (Back2House Events), Dr. Rachel Gow (FHEA), Eddie Craig (Wideboys), Ellie Talebian, Emile Birks (Beatport), Emily Dust (x Radio 1 / 1Xtra producer), Emma Cordwell (Downtown), Eva Lazarus, Eve Horne (WE ARE THE UNHEARD), Finlay Johnson (AFEM), Gemma Farrington (Sentric), Gemma Fox, Grahame Farmer, Huxley, Ramin Rezaie, BAKKIS, Ines Martinez (Four Venues), Jemma Bolt (DISCOLISCIOUS), Jess Bays (Capital Dance), Jono Heale (ACS), Jules Cameron (Bad JuJu), Jules O’Riordan AKA Judge Jules (Global DJ / Lawyer, Sound Advice), Judy Griffith (fabric), Julian Fyson (Musician, DJ, Sound Bath Facilitator), Just Her (Crosstown Rebels / LNOE), Kameron Addington-Dzenyo (Duetti), Kenny Dope (Masters at Work), Kevin da Costa (Brighton Vinyl), Kirk Field (author), Kit Rice, Kit Wardle (Beat Blocks Haptic Flooring), Lawrie Dunster (Curve Pusher), Lewis Sinclair (Cygnus), Lex Luca (OpenDAW), Lisa Horan, Made By Pete, Maiken Silverup (Theodore), Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services), Marc Carey (Evovinyl), Maria Picard (Noux), Matt Jam Lamont, MEERA, Mickey Jukes (1BTN), Mini Da Minx, Molly Johnson (Believe / Sentric), Mr Bristow, Neil Kemp, Nickelle (Nervous Records), Nikki Belle (Mousse T 'Horny'), Omnia Elashmawi (Loopcloud), Phil Hartnoll (ORBITAL), Promo Zo, Rebecca Cribb (ITV / Love Island), Ralf Kollmann (mobilee), Robert Luis (Tru Thoughts), Rosie (Media Arts Lab), Sally Freeman (Eat Sleep Rave Relax), Sami Qureshi, Saytek, Scott Diaz, Seamus Haji (Big Love), Seb Fowkes (Concorde2), Shamus Damani (Defected), Silvia Montello (Voicebox), Simon Dunmore, Ski Oakenfull, Sophia Wardman, Stefanie Baron (Technics), Tom Cane (A Work In Progress), Tom Middleton, Toni Tambourine (Tambo PR), Trina Smith (Sourcery Collective), Vicky Taylor (Truelove), Wildblood & Queenie, Yulia Niko (Beatport Music Curator).
Representatives attending from:
1BTN, ACS Custom, AFEM, Armada Music, Anderson Acoustics, AlphaTheta, A Work In Progress, Back2House Events, Bandcamp, BBC Radio 1, BBE, Beatport, Beat Blocks Haptic Flooring, Believe, Big Love, Block Events, Brighton Vinyl, Capital Dance, Concorde2, Creative Law, Curve Pusher, Cygnus Music, Dance Wicked, Defected, DISCOLISCIOUS, Downtown, Duetti, Eat Sleep Rave Relax, Evovinyl, fabric, FFWD, Four Venues, Global Publicity, Hospital Records, Kiffix, Material Music, Media Arts Lab, Milk & Sugar, mobilee, MSA Music Services, Nervous Records, Noux, NTIA, OpenDAW, pointblank, PRS, Revival Records, RightsHub, Selador Recordings, Select Radio, Sentric, shesaid.so, SIZE, Skiddle, Sound Advice, Sourcery Collective, Technics, The Brilliance Effect, The Plug, Tileyard, Truelove, Tru Thoughts, UniteVerse, Vinyl Press UK, Voicebox, WE ARE THE UNHEARD, Women in Music UK, Xelon.
BMC Tickets
Earlybird tickets are on sale now for £175 + b/f
BMC - Where Beats Means Business
www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk
About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's leading electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector. BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts.
BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.
BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.
Contact:
For more info and press accreditations, please contact Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Planet, Profit, Polarisation & Politics Tackled at Green Events & Innovations Conference
The Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI) welcomed over 400 delegates to the Royal Lancaster London for the 18th edition on 24th February, uniting Industry leaders, artists, indigenous voices, scientists, and more.
The event tackled critical sustainability topics and demonstrated that the events sector is leading the way in innovation, collaboration, and creativity to reduce environmental impacts, and that going green makes financial sense.
Many deep and moving discussions took place throughout the day, demonstrating a united stance on standing up for values, listening, and bringing people together, rather than feeding division.
Dale Vince OBE (Ecotricity) and Kneecap’s manager, Dan Lambert, were hosted by Claire O’Neill (AGF) and gave first-hand insights in Cancel Me, Cancel You: Values, Boycotts and Cancel Culture. Lambert said “At Coachella, [Kneecap] went to say something no one else was willing to say. But they said something factual and correct. They’re not easy decisions, but you have to make each one on its own merits. If you’re brave enough to speak, actually speak,” adding “it’s far more important for [the band] to have credibility.”
Both reflected on the backlash from powerful figures, politicians, and media, especially when speaking up for Palestine. Despite the kickback and various threats, the duo agreed that taking a stand is more important than all else. “The things we’re saying are truths, and we can’t be prevented from saying them,” Vince concluded.
Vince also joined Chris Packham CBE to introduce Saturday Night Beaver with Ecotalk, in which they discussed ways that we can protect nature. Packham said “At festivals, when they get there and are in a receptive state, it’s a perfect place to say think about that but think about this ,” with Vince going on to slam the impacts of the food industry: “We’re being abused by big food. It cowers our government, and the right wing media assists that.”
In EarthPercent Hour, Anna Calvi said, “A child looks at the world and thinks it's incredible and that gives you hope, and I think that inspired me to be more proactive.” While David Gray spoke passionately about his fundraising for restoring a salt marsh. “I wanted to do something more direct and relatable.” Adding “I don't see much evidence of caring for the natural world. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every venue had a [charity that it raised funds for] or was at least involved in raising awareness for what was local to it.”
He continued “So it's not just a picture of a kingfisher on the website of Live Nation, or whatever, because they gave 50 grand to somebody last year. It's something much more meaningful. It's those people taking the time to become involved in something… Without the connection and the love of what's there, an understanding of taking our place within the world of nature, how are we going to preserve it?”
Delegates were inspired by critically acclaimed immersive audiovisual project TAKKUUK, featuring a mindblowing performance from Katarina Barruk in the endangered indigenous Ume Sámi language, and heard about Sam Fender’s 100% eHGV European Tour, Hannah Cox running 100 marathons in 100 days across a colonial customs line in India, and Ash Perrin’sThe Flying Seagull Project that entertains children in refugee camps and war zones.
AGF launched their digital platform for green event and venue certifications, digitalising 20 years of sustainability expertise in Industry Initiatives: Research and Tools for a Greener Live Sector, alongside industry research case studies. The session closed with Green Deal Circular Festivals handing the reins of its green festival community over to YOUROPE.
Water security was the main topic of Riders on the Storm, which explored climate adaptation for events, with Dr Mohammad Shamsudduha (University College London) stating that “The most underestimated risk to this sector is water stress. We think about being climate neutral. We need to start thinking about being water neutral.”
Solutions for renewable energy for all venues were discussed in Green Light For Venues: Live Events Energy Scheme (LEES). LEES is a collaboration founded to provide an “energy basket” purchasing model to access affordable renewable energy for venues with Ecotricity. Patricia Yagüe (Live Nation) highlighted that "Sustainability now makes sense financially."
In Beyond the Burger Van, hosted by Clare Every (Little London Vegan), Petra Daniëls (Paradise City, Belgium) said, “You can still make money by being plant-based.” Adding, “We should be aware of the possible impact we can make; we can really drive change in a positive way.” In A Greener Tour Round VI, Jamal Chalabi (AGF / Backlash Productions) said a way forward is to “pay the arena for the electricity for the trucks, instead of fossil fuel companies, so it's a win-win,” and Françoise Cardoso (L-Acoustics) said that “Profit and sustainability go hand in hand.”
The social, economic, and environmental impacts of AI on the industry were also discussed in AI and Sustainability – highlighting the increase in water consumption by using AI. “[It uses up] one bottle of water for every 100 words on Chat GPT, which gives you some sort of scale,” stated A Greener Future’s Dr Teresa Moore.
Elsewhere, industry leaders shared solutions for audience travel and touring emissions, from product manufacturing to lifecycle analysis to slow touring; How to Achieve a 90% Recycling Rate presented insights from LIDO Festival and Radio 2 Big Weekend; Sustainable Cities: Taking Diesel Out Of Events brought together teams from Liverpool UN Accelerator City, Bristol City Council, and Massive Attack's Act 1.5 to explore real-world initiatives and the critical role cities can play in accelerating the transition to cleaner, greener event ecosystems.
And in Room 3, an additional space for this year, 12 important reports and case studies were presented, including: Touring: Climate & Sustainability Policy Research; Deep Dive Into Toilets: The Loos You Choose; Climate Transition Plan 2030 For UK Outdoor Events; and Big Team’s No Sustainability Without Diversity.
The International AGF Awards sponsored by Skydiamond concluded the day. Madame Gandhi performed an amazing live set before the event, and winners included M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, UK; DGTL, The Netherlands; and Sam Fender’s People Watching for a 100% electric truck tour. View all winners here.
GEI is 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), and was kindly supported by Ecotricity Business, TAIT, AEG & The O2.
More information at agreenerfuture.com
Winners Revealed for the International AGF Awards 2026
A Greener Future has revealed the 2026 International AGF Award Winners at the Green Events & Innovations Conference, highlighting the world's greenest in the live sector from music festivals and venues, to Sam Fender’s fully electric truck Tour, People Watching.
The 18th edition of the 2026 International AGF Awards supported by Skydiamond and hosted by Musician and Activist Madame Gandhi, Ash Perrin, The Flying Seagull Project and AGF CEO Claire O’Neill, celebrated the most innovative and outstanding festivals, events, venues and organisations from events and venues worldwide over the last 12 months, at the Royal Lancaster London on 24th February.
Finalists of the awards included 28 events, venues and innovators from 14 countries with awards presented across ten important sustainability categories, including power, water, food, and travel, and the top accolades of the International Greener Festival Award and International Greener Arena Award 2026. Winning festivals and venues were from Estonia, India, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
One of the top accolades - the International Greener Festival Award 2026 - went to DGTL, (NL), who also won the Greener Transport Award, with a plant based menu, renewable energy, and most attendees travelling by public transport, bike or foot.
Upon receiving the award, the festival's Sustainability Manager Esmee Bouwmeister said:
“We are very happy with this recognition again. It's really important AGF and things like this exist because it creates a playing field and standard and we learn from it alot. Thank you very much.”
The International Greener Arena Award was a first time win for M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, UK “This was our first year going for accreditation and thanks to everyone at AGF. We are on a journey to get net zero by 2030 and this shows we are on the right track, so thanks for the award” said M&S Arena’s Dominic Parker.
Another first time winner was the Estonian Fashion Festival with Cätlyn Tamm accepting the award saying “It’s been a pleasure working with the AGF team and thanks to everyone who made this happen.” In what is known as a high ‘throw away’ business, they showed another way, and won the Circular Event Award, commitment to circularity and sustainability from their reusable materials to promotion of slow fashion.
India’s Echoes of Earth take home an award for the second year running, this year winning the Community Action Award for embedding community at the heart of its identity, prioritising local employment, regional artists, grassroots partnerships and year-round engagement through The Greener Side initiative.
Paradise City in Belgium won the Greener Catering Award for their fully plant-based food offer delivered through a strict Green Charter, Spain’s Sonidos Líquidos won the Pied Piper Award for their communication of sustainability beyond the event; and for their commitment to raising awareness about the protection of the environment and the biodiversity of the geopark in which the festival takes place. The Greener Power Award went to Øyafestivalen in Norway for 100% renewable grid energy.
Portugal’s Boom Festival continues to set an international benchmark for water stewardship and sanitation design at scale winning the Water & Sanitation Award and the Greener Innovations Award went to Sam Fender’s 100% eHGV People Watching Tour.
Owain Davies OD Management and Richard Burnett MD at KB events accepted the award on the night with Richard saying: “I can’t tell you how proud we are to get this nomination and award. The commitment from Sam and Owain to try and attempt [a fully electric truck tour], it's groundbreaking. We’re at the frontline of driving sustainability at a transport perspective. Thank you very much indeed.”
Full list of 2026 International AGF Award winners:
International Greener Festival Award (Supported by Earth Positive) - DGTL (NL)
International Greener Arena Award (Supported by Universal Pixels) - M&S Bank Arena, (UK)
Greener Transport Award (Supported by KB Event) - DGTL (NL)
Circular Event Award - Estonian Fashion Festival (EE)
Community Action Award - Echoes of Earth (IN)
Greener Catering Award (Supported by Peppermint Bars & Events) - Paradise City (BE)
Pied Piper Award - Sonidos Líquidos (ES)
Greener Power Award (Supported by GeoPura) - Øyafestivalen (NO)
Water & Sanitation Award - Boom Festival (PT)
Greener Innovations Award (Supported by L-Acoustics) - 100% eHGV European Tour @ Sam Fender (UK)
Finalists are selected from all AGF certified Greener Events, Festivals and Arenas over the past year, with top scores across key sustainability criteria. Applicants undergo a detailed assessment, site visits, and analysis by AGF auditors. Additionally, green innovations from festivals and events have been selected and are judged by an independent jury.
Sponsored by Skydiamond, The International AGF Award ceremony took place during GEI, organised by AGF in partnership with the ILMC (International Live Music Conference)
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/
BAD looks back on successful first edition creating a cultural hub for electronic music in Buenos Aires
From 11th to 16th February, Buenos Aires Dance (BAD) brought 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 and Carlita.
Transforming the city into a living stage for an entire week, BAD created an important space for exchange, learning and cultural expression with a complete week of industry immersion, uniting DJs, producers, promoters, managers, labels, bookers, and educators from across the globe. Over 2000 people attended talks and workshops with leading local and international figures took place at the iconic The Usina del Arte building from 12th to 13th February, just days before the start of ULTRA Buenos Aires on 14th and 15th February at Parque de la Ciudad.
Exclusive Pop-Up events also took place across the city with Richie Hawtin performing at the Floralis Generica on Thursday February 12th, with a special “El Preferido" ice cream Kiosk. On Friday 13th, electronic music fans were treated to two special sessions with Indira Paganotto at Caminito and Carlita at Puente de la Mujer, Above and Beyond also treated fans to Meet & Greet on Monday 16th at the Obelisco.
The Usina del Arte provided the perfect setting for an event that connects past, present, and future with speakers included Richie Hawtin, Indira Paganotto, Carlita, Fran Bortolossi, 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, and Lolu Menayed took part in a special “Women in Music” talk, ligned with the global movement toward gender equity in the industry. Representatives from Ableton, Billboard, Sony Music Entertainment, Spotify, Ultra Records and William Morris Entertainment also participated in talks and workshops at BAD.
Other artists playing at some of the city's best-loved venues during the week included Dom Dolla Charlotte de Witte, Joseph Capriati, O.Bee and Tomas Station, Indira Paganotto and Massano.
BAD - More Than an Event - A Platform for Transformation
For more information here: www.isbad4you.com
Live Sector Tackles Biodiversity, Boycotts & Climate at GEI18
Green Events and Innovations Conference (GEI), the foremost conference for sustainability through live music, sport, and culture, is gearing up for its 18th edition on Tuesday, 24th February at the Royal Lancaster London, with the full agenda now revealed.
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 will tackle the hottest topics facing the industry with a jam-packed programme across three rooms, a networking and exhibitor lounge, and a five-star plant-based lunch. The event also includes the International AGF Awards and access to Soho Calling music showcase festival taking place across multiple venues in central London on 25th February.
Joining the GEI lineup for the first time is conservationist and broadcaster Chris Packham CBE, who will speak alongside Ecotricity’s Dale Vince OBE as the duo introduce Saturday Night Beaver with Ecotalk, discussing ways we can protect nature. And Vince is later joined by Kneecap’s manager, Dan Lambert, who will provide first-hand insight into cancel culture and boycotts in Cancel Me, Cancel You: Values, Boycotts and Cancel Culture.
EarthPercent Hour returns with multi-award-winning singer-songwriters Anna Calvi and David Gray joining co-executive director of EarthPercent Cathy Runciman to discuss musical journeys, inspiration, community, and planetary care in GEI’s keynote session – Unleashing the Power of Music in Service of the Planet.
There will be live performances from Tobias Turley (MAMMA MIA!), who stars as Humanity in the award-winning pop musical Hot Mess, and Katarina Barruk, who collaborated with Bicep on the critically acclaimed immersive audiovisual project TAKKUUK, singing in the critically endangered language of Ume Sámi.
In Art For Earth's Sake: The Power of Storytelling multi-award-winning artist Doddz and Ellie Coote, director and writer of Hot Mess will explore two storytelling artforms, using both age-old and emerging tools of communication, and Extraction Vs. Connection will spotlight those using creativity, events, and collective agency to build bridges and reconnect to real humanity.
Beyond the Burger Van, presented by Petra Daniëls of Paradise City festival and hosted by one of the UK’s leading voices in plant-based foods and sustainable living, Clare Every (The Little London Vegan), will explore the revolution in festival catering through the lens of Belgium's pioneering Paradise City.
Riders on the Storm explores climate adaptation for events; and Sustainable Cities: Taking Diesel Out Of Events brings together teams from Liverpool UN Accelerator City, Bristol City Council, and Massive Attack's Act 1.5 to explore real-world initiatives and the critical role cities can play in accelerating the transition to cleaner, greener event ecosystems.
The importance of data and research is highlighted in Industry Initiatives: Research and Tools for a Greener Live Sector, where delegates will hear research from MIT and the UK outdoor event sector, from AGF on digitalising 20 years of sustainability expertise, and YOUROPE’s update on the European Green Festival Roadmap 2030. AI and Sustainability discusses the issues around the social, economic, and environmental impacts of AI on the industry.
A Greener Tour Round VI returns featuring insights from Sam Fender's eHGV tour, the battery systems used on Coldplay’s tour, Massive Attack’s revolutionary actions, key industry manufacturer L-Acoustics, and the colossal work of TAIT and the Live Events Energy Scheme (LEES) founded by Ecotricity, LIVE, AGF, and MVT will be discussed in Green Light for Venues.
Elsewhere, presenters will share solutions for audience travel and touring emissions, from product manufacturing to lifecycle analysis to slow touring; How to Achieve a 90% Recycling Rate will present insights from LIDO Festival and Radio 2 Big Weekend; Big Team and ClearText will present projects for accessibility and inclusion; the Centre for Festivals and Events (CEF) will look at how AI is transforming the live sector; and the unmissable Deep Dive into Toilets: The loos you choose needs no explanation.
The Quick-Fire Innovation Round, hosted by punk legend John Robb, presents Lightweight Design, Heavy Impact – reimagining event design with Airworks; the reinvented toilet from Cranfield University; Hydrogen power for events from GeoPura, and VESTROCK’s use of NaviLens technology to help visually impaired festivalgoers navigate their event.
Rounding off GEI18 will be the International AGF Awards, sponsored by Skydiamond, where AGF celebrates the most innovative and greenest events, venues, organisations, and individuals from across the globe over the last 12 months. Hosted by Claire O'Neill (A Greener Future & Grid Faeries), Madame Gandhi (Musician & Activist), and Ash Perrin (The Flying Seagull Project), delegates will raise a glass to the winners before enjoying a final drinks and networking party with devilishly good vegan balls courtesy of Devil’s Kitchen.
View the full schedule at www.agreenerfuture.com/schedule
GEI18 is sponsored by Ecotricity Business, TAIT, AEG & The O2.
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
UK Electronic Music Powers £2.47bn: Free Parties Boom, Mid-Tier Venues in Crisis and the North Leads 93% Growth, New Report Reveals
New national report finds audiences growing and regional scenes surging - even as economic pressure accelerates club closures and hollows out the UK’s nightlife infrastructure.
UK electronic music generated £2.47 billion in measurable economic activity in 2025, up 3% year-on-year, despite the loss of more than one in three nightclubs since 2020, according to a major new industry report released today.
The Fourth Electronic Music Report, produced by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) in partnership with Audience Strategies and Amazon Music, reveals a sector that remains globally dominant and culturally resilient, but increasingly fragile at home as economic pressure forces venue closures, contracts mid-tier capacity and pushes audiences into alternative and informal spaces.
Since March 2020, the UK has lost 36% of its nightclubs, leaving just 823 venues nationwide. Over the same period, electronic music event programming has grown by 10.5%, highlighting sustained audience demand even as the physical infrastructure that supports nightlife continues to shrink.
Global success masking domestic fragility
The UK continues to punch above its weight internationally. It ranks second in the world for electronic music artist development, with 13 artists in the global Top 100 DJs and 72 in the Top 500. British artists represent 11% of global electronic music creators, yet account for 15% of the world’s Top 500, underlining the UK’s outsized cultural influence.
Genres pioneered in the UK remain globally dominant, with 30.5% of drum and bass artists and 14.7% of dubstep producers worldwide originating here. Exports reached £86.8 million in 2025, an 8% increase year-on-year.
However, the report warns that this global success masks growing structural weaknesses in the domestic ecosystem — particularly the accelerating collapse of mid-tier venues.
Just 15% of UK venues now fall within the critical 500–2,500 capacity range, creating severe bottlenecks for emerging artists attempting to progress beyond grassroots level. Rising operational costs, high business rates, a 20% VAT rate on tickets, licensing pressures and weak planning protections have made this segment increasingly unviable.
Grassroots venues now operate on an average profit margin of just 0.48%, with operators earning approximately £26,000 per year while working 60-hour weeks. Artists face similarly fragile economics: 81% of producers earn less than 10% of their income from royalties, while 64% of nightclub performance royalties are misallocated due to data and attribution failures.
Free parties rise as audiences move beyond venues
The report finds that electronic music audiences are not declining — they are changing how, when and where they engage as venues close and affordability worsens.
- Free events now account for 15% of all electronic music programming, rising 34% year-on-year
- Daytime electronic music events have increased 82% since 2022
- Interest in sober events is up 92%, reflecting wider cultural shifts, with nearly 40% of Gen Z adults abstaining from alcohol
As licensed venues continue to disappear, electronic music activity is increasingly shifting into alternative and informal spaces — including cafés, which are emerging as new hubs for music and cultural programming. Activity in art galleries has risen by 83%, while record shops have seen a 53% increase, pointing to innovation driven by necessity rather than long-term sustainability.
The report cautions that the growth of free parties and unlicensed events reflects a displacement effect: audiences are not turning away from nightlife, but are being pushed out of traditional venues by rising costs, reduced capacity and shrinking availability. In this context, cafés and other hybrid spaces are filling the gap, expanding their role beyond hospitality to support local music and cultural life.
The North leads growth as London’s dominance declines
For the first time, a majority (51%) of UK electronic music events now take place outside London, marking a significant decentralisation of the sector.
Growth has been strongest in the North of England, where electronic music activity increased by 93% between 2022 and 2025. Newcastle recorded 72% year-on-year growth, far outpacing London and highlighting the emergence of new regional powerhouses.
The report identifies this regional expansion as a major opportunity for cultural and economic growth — but warns that without targeted investment in venues and infrastructure, the same pressures that hollowed out city-centre nightlife could be replicated across the regions.
International investment, UK inaction
The report contrasts the UK’s position with international examples of coordinated policy support:
- Amsterdam invests €2.2 million annually in its nightlife ecosystem
- Germany’s reclassification of clubs as cultural institutions unlocked tax relief and planning protections, helping Berlin generate £1.5 billion annually
- Sydney climbed global nightlife rankings in under four years following targeted reform
By comparison, the UK maintains a 20% VAT rate on cultural tickets - nearly three times the European average - alongside high business rates and limited planning protections, placing the sector at a growing competitive disadvantage.
Industry warning
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said:
“Electronic music remains one of the UK’s most powerful cultural and economic assets, but the domestic ecosystem that sustains it is now in crisis.
We are seeing free parties rise, mid-tier venues disappear and audiences pushed out of licensed spaces — not because demand is falling, but because the sector is being squeezed by sustained economic pressure.
At the same time, the North is leading growth and innovation, proving that opportunity exists if infrastructure is protected. This report shows extraordinary resilience, but resilience is not a policy. Without urgent reform — from VAT alignment and business rates relief to meaningful planning protections — we risk dismantling the very foundations that made the UK a global leader.”
Global Momentum Builds: NTIA and International Nightlife Association Back UK Call for Minister as Australian Leaders Urge Worldwide Action
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the International Nightlife Association (INA) have today thrown their full support behind calls from Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Night-Time Economy, as Australian Ministers formally urge governments around the world to follow suit.
Rt.Hon Angela Rayner Said within here speech at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, “And that is why, I would support the creation of a dedicated Minister for the Night Time Economy, with responsibility to champion the sector inside Government, and ensure that those voices of small and medium businesses are heard loud and clear.”
The renewed push for ministerial leadership follows the landmark First Global Night-Time Economy Ministers’ Meeting, convened on 31 January by NSW Minister John Graham and ACT Minister Tara Cheyne.
At the meeting, the world’s first two Night-Time Economy Ministers issued a joint communiqué calling on jurisdictions globally to appoint dedicated Ministerial leadership to unlock the full potential of their night-time economies.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association, attended the inaugural meeting on 31 January, joining global experts and policymakers to discuss reform, international collaboration and the future of governance for night-time economies.
While more than 80 jurisdictions have introduced Night Mayors or similar governance roles, meaningful reform requires ministerial authority to coordinate across licensing, planning, transport, policing, health, treasury, tourism, industrial relations and the arts, alongside the legislative backing needed to secure long-term progress.
For decades, night-time economies have too often been treated as regulatory challenges rather than strategic economic drivers. That narrative is shifting. In October 2025, the World Economic Forum recognised the night-time economy as “an untapped frontier of opportunity” capable of driving economic growth, optimising infrastructure and strengthening social connection.
Sacha Lord, Chair of the Night Time Industries Association & INA Advisory Board, said:
“Australia has set a powerful international precedent. By establishing dedicated Night-Time Economy Ministers and issuing a global call to action, they have demonstrated what serious commitment looks like.
We fully support Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram in calling for a Minister for the Night-Time Economy here in the UK. Our sector is a major employer, a driver of tourism and the beating heart of our cities. It deserves representation at Cabinet level.”
Joaquim Boadas de Quintana, President of the International Nightlife Association, added:
“The inaugural engagement between Ministers John Graham and Tara Cheyne marks a historic turning point. The global sector is aligned, night-time economies require structured, Ministerial leadership to ensure coordination, legal certainty and long-term strategy.
Governments around the world should now respond to this call.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA and Vice President of the INA, said:
“Attending the first Global Night-Time Economy Ministers’ Meeting reinforced the scale of international momentum behind this agenda. Ministerial leadership is no longer optional, it is essential.
The call from Australian Ministers strengthens the case in the UK and beyond. Our cities do not switch off at sunset, and neither should government policy.”
With international alignment growing, the NTIA and INA reaffirm their commitment to working alongside national and regional leaders to ensure night-time economies are recognised as core economic and cultural infrastructure, and empowered to reach their full potential after dark.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk