Beyond The Music Adds Second Wave for 2026 With Tom A. Smith, ALT BLK ERA and Scorcher

The Manchester conference and showcase returns to MediaCity from 6–9 October with new stage partners and a lineup spanning rap, rock, electronic and metal. This year’s programming also brings an AI summit and the launch of Billboard UK’s 40 Under 40 list.

Beyond The Music has added a second wave of names to its 2026 edition, returning to MediaCity and venues across Greater Manchester from 6–9 October. The latest announcement includes Sunderland’s Tom A. Smith, London goth-rock group Mouth Ulcers, Scottish art-rock outfit Walt Disco, ALT BLK ERA, Scorcher, Cody Frost and The Slow Readers Club, among others.

The event continues to combine three days of industry conversation with three nights of live music. Lead programmer Oli Wilson has shaped a lineup that maintains a 50/50 gender split and gives space to artists outside the usual industry pipeline. New stage partners this year include SXSW, BBC Introducing, Amazon Music +44, Dot to Dot Festival and Focus Wales, each handling their own showcases.

The booking choices span distinct lanes: ALT BLK ERA mix rap, rock and drum’n’bass; Che3kz